Garage Rental Fee

More Than Just Parking: The 'Garagebox'

A garage, or garagebox, offers a higher level of utility and security than a simple open parking space in a shared garage. It is a private, fully enclosed, and lockable space, providing not only a place to park a car but also valuable extra storage space for items like bicycles, tools, or winter tires. Because of this added utility and security, a private garage box is considered a premium feature and is even more expensive than a standard parking spot. As with a parking space, a garage is rented separately from an apartment, with its own contract and a distinct monthly rental fee (huur garagebox).

A Separate Contract and Cost

A tenant wishing to rent a garage box will sign a separate rental agreement specifically for that space. The fee is a significant additional cost on top of the apartment rent and can be very high in desirable locations. The contract will specify the rules for using the garage. For example, it is often prohibited to store highly flammable materials or to use the space as a workshop for noisy activities. The landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the garage—the door, the roof, the lock—while the tenant is responsible for keeping it clean and secure.

Scarcity and Alternative Uses

Private garage boxes are relatively scarce in Dutch cities and are in high demand, not just from car owners but also from other residents in the neighborhood seeking secure storage or a place for their hobbies. In fact, many people rent garage boxes solely for storage, as they can be cheaper per square meter than commercial self-storage facilities. For a tenant, renting a garage can solve two problems at once: secure parking and a lack of storage space in a compact apartment. However, they must be prepared to pay a premium for this convenience. The fee for the garage alone can sometimes be as much as the rent for a small studio apartment in a less popular city.