What is required to convert a property into student accommodation?

Many people wish to convert a property into student accommodation. However, numerous criteria must be met in order to do so. If this applies to you, here is what you need to know.

Before starting, you will need to obtain planning permission from your municipality. Planning permission is compulsory; without it, you will not be able to convert your property into student accommodation.

Standards to be met

In addition, you must comply with numerous standards: 

• Comply with health and hygiene standards
• Take account of the minimum habitable floor area
• Comply with safety standards
• Comply with the habitability standards specific to student accommodation 

Authorised professionals will visit the property to check these points before granting permission to convert it into student accommodation.

Please also note that you will probably need to obtain a rental permit. However, you may be exempt under certain conditions. If you live in the building and rent out no more than two flats to a maximum of four people, you do not need a rental permit. Nevertheless, you will still need to complete the “Declaration of rental or offering for rent” form with your municipality. The municipality will send someone to check that the criteria have been met. If they have not, you will have the opportunity to carry out the necessary alterations to comply with them.

Please note! You may encounter difficulties obtaining permission in certain municipalities. This is because many people consider the presence of student accommodation to be disruptive to the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood. You should therefore take this into account when submitting your application to the local authority.

In conclusion, you can convert a property into student accommodation without difficulty. However, make sure that you comply with the various criteria so that everything is done in accordance with the rules and you avoid any unpleasant surprises.