Serviced apartment says “no BRP”
Ask whether the restriction is a property policy or a municipal/occupancy condition. Check the address directly with the municipality before paying a non-refundable deposit.
Address problem
“No registration” is a warning to investigate before you sign or move in.
3 min read2 cited sourcesReviewed 2026-07-31
People living in the Netherlands may have a legal registration obligation. A contractual clause or verbal instruction does not by itself determine whether an address can or must be registered.
Quick answerIf you will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, resident BRP registration is normally required within 5 days of arrival. A landlord saying “no registration” is a reason to verify the address with the municipality before relying on the tenancy. If you do not have a usable home address, ask the municipality whether a correspondence address is available in your circumstances.
Decision path
What should you do before signing or moving in?
Will this be your actual home for more than 4 months?If yes, plan for resident BRP registration. If your stay is 4 months or less, check whether RNI non-resident registration is the relevant route.
Does the landlord refuse registration?Ask for the reason in writing. Do not accept a vague “not possible” as the final legal answer.
Can the municipality register this address?Give the municipality the real accommodation facts and ask what occupancy evidence it requires.
If the address cannot be used, do you have a lawful alternative?Ask about another residential address or a municipality-approved correspondence address. Never invent an address or claim to live somewhere you do not.
Request the reason in writing
Ask whether the restriction comes from occupancy limits, zoning, subletting, permit conditions or the provider’s own policy.
Check the address with the municipality
Describe your actual living arrangement and ask which documents are required. Do not conceal where you live.
Review the housing risk
A refusal may indicate unauthorised subletting or overcrowding. Consider independent tenant advice before paying substantial deposits.
Protect your registration timeline
Keep correspondence and seek an alternative lawful address or municipal correspondence-address route when appropriate.
Typical scenarios
Landlord fears tax or benefit consequences
That concern does not determine your registration duty. Keep the conversation factual and let the municipality decide how your real residence should be recorded.
Evidence to keep
- Rental agreement, booking or occupancy agreement.
- Written landlord or provider statement about registration.
- Municipality emails, appointment records and required-document list.
- Proof of your actual move-in date and occupancy.
Common mistake: using a friend’s address only to obtain a BSN. A correspondence address is a formal BRP route and municipality approval matters.