What Does It Mean If An Accommodation Is Labeled 'Available Per Direct'?

If an accommodation is labeled ‘available per direct’, this means that the tenancy agreement will start immediately or on the next business day after booking. The landlord will not agree to delay the start date, as leaving the property vacant is not in their financial interest.

Key points to understand:

• Immediate start of tenancy: The rental contract begins right away (same day or next business day).
• No reservation or holding: It is not possible to reserve the accommodation for a later date without paying rent. The landlord requires the rent to start immediately to avoid vacancy.
• Requesting a discount: In some cases, you may ask the landlord for a rent reduction until your actual move-in date (for example, if you arrive a week later). However, this is entirely at the landlord’s discretion and cannot be guaranteed. During the high season, when demand is very high, such requests are generally not accepted. If you want to request it, make sure to do it before you start the booking.
• Practical implication for tenants: Even if you are not physically in the Netherlands yet, you may still proceed with booking. The accommodation will be yours from the contract start date, but you will be paying rent from that moment onward.

This policy ensures fairness to all tenants and prevents situations where an accommodation remains empty while other students or expats urgently need housing.