WoON is a triennial survey on various topics including housing satisfaction. Homeowners were more often satisfied with their homes than renters in 2024 (93% vs 68%). Among renters, there was little difference between those renting from private landlords or social housing providers. Compared to three years earlier, both homeowners and renters were less frequently satisfied.

Besides lower satisfaction, renters more often reported issues such as moisture or mold, drafts, and poor maintenance. They also struggled more to keep their homes comfortably warm in winter or cool in summer, with 46% of renters facing this issue.

More defects in rental than in owner-occupied homes

Renters reported more defects in their homes compared to homeowners. They were more likely to experience moisture or mold, drafts, and poor maintenance. Additionally, 46% of renters struggled to keep their homes comfortably warm or cool.

Increase in moisture and mold issues

In 2024, 20% of households reported moisture and mold issues, up from 15% in 2021. Both homeowners (14%) and renters (30%) faced these issues more frequently in 2024. The bathroom was the most common area for mold problems, affecting 59% of households with mold issues. Other frequently mentioned areas were the bedroom (35%) and living room (23%).

Moisture or mold affects over 3 in 10 in the four largest cities

Moisture or mold problems are most common in highly urbanized areas, affecting 29% of households. In the four largest cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht), this percentage is slightly higher at 31%. The prevalence of moisture or mold issues varies significantly by region. Households in Greater Amsterdam and Delfzijl and surroundings reported these issues most frequently, with nearly 3 in 10 experiencing them. This is more than twice the rate in regions like North Overijssel, Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, Central Limburg, and the Achterhoek.