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Moisture and mold problems increase in Dutch rental homes

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Moisture and mold problems in Dutch rental homes have increased in recent years, with nearly 30 percent affected in 2024, up from 23.7 percent in 2021, according to figures from the WoON survey conducted by Statistics Netherlands. In Amsterdam, 15,700 complaints were recorded between 2023 and 2025, while housing corporations and health authorities in North Holland have also reported numerous cases. Ymere receives an average of about 12 mold complaints a day and expects the number to rise during winter; Eigen Haard received almost 5,000 complaints in Amsterdam.

High energy costs may be contributing because residents heat and ventilate less, while poor insulation and heating-system problems can also play a role. The GGD advises removing mold, reducing moisture, ventilating and heating homes. The SP, including MP Sandra Beckerman, says tenants are not being heard sufficiently and is calling on municipalities and housing corporations to take more responsibility, citing concerns about children’s health.

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Housing

Tenant offered compensation over persistent damp and mould problems

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Ingrid, who has multiple sclerosis and lung problems, has lived for more than five years with high humidity, mould and moisture damage in her rental home in Uithoorn. She and her partner Jan say the conditions have affected furniture and made the home difficult to live in. Eigen Haard acknowledged that ventilation problems contributed to the damage and offered Ingrid €2,500 for the discomfort, on the condition that she waive future claims related to the problems. The housing corporation said furniture damage would be considered separately, although it remained unclear whether it was already included in the offer. The Housing Union called the condition unreasonable while the defects remained unresolved. Eigen Haard said Ingrid could still approach the Rent Committee after signing, but acknowledged that additional measures might be needed. The corporation has since installed equipment to measure humidity and carbon dioxide, and a specialist company was expected to carry out a climate assessment. The Housing Union advised the residents to accept any compensation only without a final-discharge clause.