30 smart questions to ask at a Dutch room interview (hospi)
What do you ask at a Dutch hospiteeravond? A list of smart questions that help you pick the right room and the right housemates.
You stand at the front door of a house where you might soon live. The door opens, you shake hands and then: silence. What do you ask? A hospi (the Dutch shared-house interview) is stressful enough without having to improvise good questions on the spot.
That is why we made a list. Not to tick off like a survey, but as a memory aid. Pick the questions that matter to you and let the conversation flow naturally.
About the atmosphere in the house
- How would you describe the vibe in this house in three words?
- Do you eat together often or does everyone cook on their own?
- Do you spend time in the living room together, or is everyone mostly in their own room?
- Do you ever do things together outside the house? (Drinks, film, walk)
- How do you handle birthdays or holidays?
About daily life
- What time does it usually go quiet during the week?
- Does anyone work from home?
- What is the morning routine like? Is the bathroom busy?
- How do you handle groceries, joint or separate?
- Is there a shared kitty for shared supplies?
About cleaning
- Is there a cleaning schedule?
- How do you handle the dishes?
- Who is responsible for the common areas?
- How clean do you expect the kitchen to be after cooking?
- Do you hire a cleaner or do you do everything yourselves?
About visitors and social situations
- How do you feel about overnight guests?
- How often is it OK for my partner to stay over?
- Are there parties in the house? How often and how late?
- How do you handle unexpected visitors?
About the room and the house
- What is good about this room? And what is less good?
- Is there anything in the house that needs repair soon?
- How is the noise from the street or the neighbours?
- Is the heating decent? Does it get warm enough in winter?
- How fast is the internet?
About the practical side
- What is the exact rent and what is included? (All-in or excluding utilities?)
- Is BRP registration possible?
- How long is the contract? Is there a minimum stay?
- What is the notice period?
- How much deposit is asked?
- Is the room furnished or empty?
Bonus questions
These are optional but can reveal a lot:
- Why is the current resident leaving? (A vague answer can be a sign)
- Is there anything you would change about how the house works?
- What is the best thing about living in this neighbourhood?
- Do you have pets, or is that negotiable?
- How do you handle conflict?
Tips for asking questions
Listen more than you talk. A hospi is not an interview. Ask a question and actually listen to the answer. Follow up with curiosity.
Start with the easy questions. Do not jump straight into conflict or finances. Begin with vibe and daily life. The heavier topics come up naturally.
Watch the non-verbal cues. If your potential housemates respond awkwardly to a question, that says something. Not necessarily negative, but worth digging into.
Take notes afterwards. Write things down right after the hospi. After three hospi's in a row you stop remembering which house had which rules.
The most important question
There is one question most people forget to ask, and it might be the most important one:
"What are you looking for in a new housemate?"
The answer tells you exactly whether you fit what they need. And it shows that you care about their perspective, not just the room.
On Huismaatje you can already read profiles of your potential housemates before the hospi. That way you walk in better prepared. Want to know how to make a strong first impression as well? Read our article on how to nail the Dutch hospiteeravond. And if you are still figuring out who would fit, see our tips for finding the right housemate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I ask sensitive questions about money or behaviour without ruining the vibe?
Frame them as open questions rather than direct demands: "How do you handle shared costs?" sounds much better than "I want to know whether you all pay on time." By coming across curious instead of suspicious, you get more honest answers and you make a better impression too.
Should I get through all 30 questions in one hospi?
No. Pick the 5 to 8 questions that matter most to you. A hospi is a conversation, not a survey. Let the conversation take its own direction. The list is a memory aid, not a script to tick off.
When during a hospi do I ask about practical details like rent and deposit?
Towards the end, after the social part of the conversation. That way the hospi feels like a real introduction first and a business discussion only second. This feels comfortable and professional for both sides.
How do I remember details when I have multiple hospi's on the same day?
Right after each hospi note three things: the name of the house or street, the vibe you felt, and the two or three details that stuck most. If you took photos (of the room, with permission), look at those too. Memories fade fast within a week.
Can I ask the residents whether they have asked previous housemates to leave?
That is an indirect way to ask the same thing. Better: "Have things ever been difficult with previous housemates?" or "What has changed in the house compared to a year ago?" People answer more openly when the question feels less confrontational.
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