Renting in the Netherlands, explained in plain English
For expats, students and international workers: how the Dutch rental market works, what you can be charged, your rights as a tenant, and what rent costs in each city based on real listings.
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01
How renting works in the Netherlands
An English overview of the Dutch rental market: social housing, mid-rent and the private sector, how homes are allocated and what to arrange before you move.
02
Finding a rental home and getting through viewings
Where rental homes in the Netherlands are listed, how viewings and applications work, and which documents landlords usually ask for.
03
Rental contracts in the Netherlands: indefinite and fixed-term
What a Dutch rental contract (huurovereenkomst) contains, when fixed-term contracts are still allowed, and how notice periods work.
04
Deposit, service costs and what you pay when renting
Base rent (kale huur), service costs (servicekosten), the deposit (borg) and other costs of renting in the Netherlands, explained in English.
05
Registering your address (BRP) and getting a BSN
Why you need to register your Dutch address in the BRP, how it gives you a BSN, and why a home you cannot register at is a warning sign.
06
Rent increases and tenant rights
How annual rent increases work in the Netherlands, what the Huurcommissie does and where tenants can get free advice.
07
How to spot rental scams in the Netherlands
Common rental scams aimed at newcomers in the Netherlands and simple checks to protect yourself before you pay anything.
08
Student housing checklist for the Netherlands
A practical checklist for international students looking for a room or studio in the Netherlands.
09
Expat and international worker renting checklist
A step-by-step renting checklist for expats and international workers moving to the Netherlands.
10
Glossary of Dutch rental terms
Dutch rental terms explained in English: kale huur, servicekosten, borg, huurcommissie, huurtoeslag, woningcorporatie and more.
City guides
Typical rents by number of rooms, from listings of the last 12 months, and who each city suits.