This article only applies for Long Stay. Click here to find more information about the difference between Long Stay and Short Stay housing.

Can I get the contact details of the current tenant?

Soon, we will send you the contact details of the departing tenant. Please make an appointment together to hand over the keys. Sometimes it's not possible to hand over the keys between you; in that case we will let you know in time. It could be that the departing tenant also wants to sell you some things. Taking over items is always without obligation! If you indicate that you are not interested, the departing tenant is obliged to vacate the accommodation.

How do I get the keys?

If you haven't heard from us about picking up the keys, you and the departing tenant should agree on a convenient time to hand over the keys. This can include evenings or weekends! Make sure you get the keys no later than the first day of rent. Are you going to live in a room? Then you should receive at least one key for each lock. Are you going to live in a self-contained accommodation? Then you should receive at least two keys to each lock. Did you receive fewer and does the departing tenant no longer have these key(s)? Then contact us so we can sort this out for you. Is the departing tenant moving out before the end date of his rental agreement? Then you can also take delivery of the keys at an earlier time. The departing tenant still pays rent until the last day of the contract. He may want to settle this with you; make clear arrangements about this together. 

What do I have to check at the first day of rent?

First of all, please check if you have received keys to all locks. In addition to your front door / room door, you might need keys for the balcony, windows, storage room and mailbox as well. 

When you first enter your new living space, make sure to check whether everything is clean and empty - unless you’ve agreed to buy some items of the previous tenant that is. Check if the space is in good condition. You do so based on the following points:

• Frames, windows and doors: no damage, no clamps, no cracks
• Hinges and locks: securely fastened, function well
• Sink / tap / mirror: securely fastened, no cracks
• Sink drain: no leakage or blockage
• Sockets/switches: securely fastened, function properly
• Radiators: securely fastened, function properly
• Walls/ceilings: no screws, nails and plugs, no holes

Noticed something is broken? Submit a repair request via My SSH, within two weeks after the first day of your rental agreement. We’ll make an appointment to get it sorted! Do you report a problem after two weeks or later? Then any costs will be at your own expense.

Am I allowed to adjust my new living space? 

If you’re renting unfurnished accommodation for an indefinite period, you’re free to adjust it the way you see fit. Paint the walls, decorate with some of the poster strips (they’re available in almost every room) and so on. You’re not allowed to drill into the walls. If you would like to drill, you need to ask us for permission to do so. Also, you’re not allowed to paint ceilings, radiators, kitchen units, doors, sockets, switches, intercoms and so on. 

Would you like to place a fixed bunk bed, or change the layout of your living space? You’ll need to ask for permission to do so. You can send an email to info@sshxl.nl and (if applicable) send us a detailed drawing, description of the proposed change and/or a list of materials. We’ll get back to you within two weeks and let you know if we agree with your request, and if so, under what conditions. Keep in mind that any adjustments made, may be checked by the property manager. Home adjustments do not fall under the so-called tenant maintenance. The costs for maintenance and repairs for such are on your account.

You might want to install new flooring: linoleum, carpet or laminate for example. If you decide to go for laminate, there are several things to take into account. We can imagine that you don’t want your neighbours to hear every step you take, and you probably won’t want to damage floors or walls when chilling out. To prevent this, you have to make sure to apply a resilient underlay (thermopete for example) before installing your floor. Also, make sure to keep an available space of at least 1 centimetre between the floor and the walls as the floor might still expand. Do not drill or nail into cement floors. In case of nuisance, you are obligated to remove the installed floor. You’re also obligated to remove the floor in case a new tenant moves in (unless that tenant agrees to adopt the floor). If any damage occurs while installing or removing your floor, you will be held responsible for the costs of the repair. NB: when renting a studio in Tilburg, you’re not allowed to remove the floor. All studios are equipped with laminate as a standard. 

Something broken in your new accommodation?  Please report a repair via Mijn SSH.

Do I have to register with the municipality?

You’ll have to report your change of address with the municipality within 5 days after your move. By doing so, the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) remains up to date. Very important, as the BRP is used by government institutions such as the Tax Authorities and DUO. Even if you were to move rooms in the same house, you’ll still have to report your change of address. If you’re moving to another city or town, you’ll have to register yourself with your new municipality. Deregistration from your previous municipality will be sorted automatically. 

Can I apply for rental allowance?

If your rental costs are too high in relation to your income, you can apply for rent allowance. On My SSH, you can see whether or not you can apply for rent allowance. For more information about rental allowance, have a look at this page.

Do I have to apply for service contracts?

When you’re renting accommodation with SSH, service costs for water, electricity, gas, television and the internet are often included in your rent. But on some occasions, these costs are paid directly to the relevant authority through the ‘house account’. If you don’t see any mention of ‘service costs’ in your rental agreement, you’ll have to apply for a service contract yourself.

Do I get a name tag?

As of 1-3-2025, we no longer send a name tag when a rental agreement has started. Do you want your own name at your front door? Then measure the height and width of the current name tag, and communicate this size to the company that you have in mind. This can be a key maker, but there are also webshops where you can order a name tag. The cost is at your own expense.

I receive mail from previous tenants

If you receive mail from the previous occupants, it's best to return the mail to the sender. We do not forward mail to the previous resident. You can follow the steps below to return the mail: 1) cross out the address details, 2) write ‘Recipient unknown - Return to sender' on the envelope, 3) place the mail in the nearest mailbox, a postage stamp is not required.