Leasing a Top-Tier Property
A penthouse (penthouse) in the Dutch context refers to an apartment located on the highest floor (or floors) of a building, distinguished by its luxury features, superior views, and often, exclusive access to a large roof terrace (dakterras). A penthouse lease is not a special legal category of contract; it is a standard residential lease agreement (huurovereenkomst voor woonruimte). The 'penthouse' designation is a marketing term that signifies the quality, location, and price point of the property. Due to their high value and desirability, penthouses are invariably rented out in the free sector (vrije sector) of the Dutch rental market. This means the initial rent is above the liberalization threshold, and therefore the landlord has the freedom to set the rent at any price the market will bear, and the property is not subject to the points system (woningwaarderingsstelsel) or rent control.
What Defines a Penthouse?
While the term can sometimes be used loosely by agents for any top-floor apartment, a true penthouse typically has several distinguishing features that justify its premium status. Exclusive Outdoor Space: The most important feature is often a large, private roof terrace, offering far more space and privacy than a standard balcony. Views: Unobstructed, panoramic views over the city are a key selling point. High-End Finishes: The interior finish (afwerking) is expected to be of a much higher quality than in standard apartments, with luxury kitchens, designer bathrooms, and premium flooring. Privacy and Space: Penthouses often occupy the entire top floor, meaning no neighbors on the same level. They may also feature a more spacious, open-plan layout. The lease agreement for such a property is standard, but it will reflect the high value through its rent price and likely a correspondingly high security deposit (borg).
