Where you meet it
Room ads say "hospiteeravond op dinsdag" (viewing evening on Tuesday), "je bent uitgenodigd om te hospiteren" (you are invited to hospiteren) or "kom langs om kennis te maken" (come and meet us). English ads write "house viewing" or "meet the housemates".
"Viewing" is a common but misleading translation. At a hospiteeravond the residents decide, often with the landlord's approval, and they judge you more than you judge the room. The word comes from hospita (host), but hospiteren is not the same as renting from a hospita, a landlord who lives in the home.
What it means for you
- The housemates choose, not a waiting list. Being friendly, curious and clear about how you would fit in the house counts for a lot. Your paperwork usually matters later, when the landlord signs the contract.
- A rejection gives you no claim, unless it is discrimination. Under the Wet goed verhuurderschap, landlords and agents must select tenants in a transparent, non-discriminatory way and, since 1 January 2024, have a written, published selection procedure. If you think you were refused because of your nationality, report it to your municipality's anti-discrimination service (meldpunt).
- The room you win is usually onzelfstandig. You share the kitchen or bathroom, so it is onzelfstandige woonruimte: the rent is regulated by points and huurtoeslag is usually not possible.
How a hospiteeravond usually goes
- You reply to the ad with a short message about yourself: what you study or do, your hobbies, why this house.
- The residents invite a selection of candidates, sometimes all on the same evening.
- You talk with the residents, often over a drink, and see the room and the shared spaces.
- The residents pick their favourite and let candidates know, and the landlord signs the contract with that person.
Bring your own questions too: what the rent includes, how cleaning and shared costs are split, and whether you can register at the address. Have your ID, proof of study or income and, if you have one, a verhuurdersverklaring ready, so you can move fast if they choose you.
How common it is
You meet hospiteren in the room market. Rooms make up 14.6% of the listings on RentHunter between July and October 2026, and 56% in Groningen, a student city.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a hospiteeravond?
You meet the housemates, often on the same evening as other candidates, and they choose who gets the room. Treat it as a check in both directions: you also see who you would live with.
Can I be rejected because of my nationality?
No. Discrimination is forbidden. If you think it happened, you can report it to your municipality's anti-discrimination service.
Can I join a hospiteeravond from abroad?
Ask when you reply to the ad. Some houses agree to a video call, others only meet in person.
