What is NEN 2580?

When you list a home for rent, you need to state its floor area. That may sound straightforward, but the result can vary widely depending on whether you include the balcony, garage, or entire attic.

To make these measurements consistent and comparable, the Netherlands uses the NEN 2580 standard.

How does NEN 2580 divide floor area?

NEN 2580 uses four main categories:

  • Gebruiksoppervlakte wonen — the part of the home that can be used as living space;
  • Overige inpandige ruimte — space inside the building that is not suitable for living, such as an unheated garage or storage room;
  • Gebouwgebonden buitenruimte — balconies, verandas, roof terraces, and other outdoor spaces attached to the building;
  • Externe bergruimte — a separate storage unit, shed, or garage outside the home itself.

Which floor area should I enter in Uprent?

When you list a home for rent on Uprent, we ask for gebruiksoppervlakte wonen: the part of the home that can be used as living space. Do not include balconies, terraces, storage rooms, unheated garages, or similar spaces.

Where can I find the floor area?

When you add a home, Uprent automatically retrieves its floor area from Dutch property records. You normally do not need to look it up or measure the home yourself.

If the floor area is missing or incorrect, check the documents from when you bought the property. If you cannot find it there either, measure the home yourself or hire a professional.

What counts as living area?

Gebruiksoppervlakte wonen normally includes:

  • the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms;
  • bathrooms and toilets;
  • hallways and stairs inside the home;
  • the space taken up by internal walls, columns, and kitchen units;
  • an attic that is suitable for living.

What does not count as living area?

Gebruiksoppervlakte wonen does not include:

  • areas with a ceiling height below 1.5 metres;
  • balconies, terraces, verandas, and roof terraces;
  • separate storage units, sheds, and garages;
  • unheated garages and other indoor spaces not suitable for living;
  • attics accessible only by a folding ladder;
  • stairwells larger than 4 m².