Have you decided that you want to rent a house, room or apartment in the Netherlands? Here are some important facts that you should know about rentals in the Netherlands.
Rental pricing & Requirements
The relative shortage of rental properties in the Netherlands is correlated with the housing prices. Rent may vary from 500 euros for a single room to over 2.500 euros per month for an apartment in the centre of Amsterdam. The rent consists of two parts, the basic rent and the service charges. You will notice that the rental price can be either inclusive or exclusive of service charges, which can include energy (gas and electricity), Internet, phone line, water and building utilities. Please note, you might also need to pay a one-time rental security deposit.
You may be asked for guarantees concerning your ability to pay the rent:
- If you are working in the Netherlands, you might need to demonstrate a copy of your employment contract.
- If you are studying in the Netherlands, you might have to present a statement of your Dutch bank account and probably a statement from your family bank account with an English note showing your credit ability.
In any case, you must provide your BSN and always look for apartments that allow you to register with the municipality.
Rental contracts & Tenants' rights
What should your rental contract include? What’s the difference between a fixed-period or an indefinite rental contract? What are your landlord’s obligations towards you and what are your obligations as a tenant towards your landlord? Even though rental contracts in the Netherlands are pro-tenant, it is still important to understand your rights.
Home / Household insurance
Household contents insurance covers damage caused by burglary, fire etc.
- Lemonade Insurance (in English)
- Centraal Beheer
- ABN AMRO
Social housing vs Private housing in the Netherlands
There are two different sectors of the rental market in the Netherlands. There is social housing and there is private housing or the so-called free sector. Learn about the differences between social and private housing.
Rent benefit
The Dutch government provides several kinds of allowances and benefits for its citizens and residents, including a housing benefit (huurtoeslag).
Why rent a house in the Netherlands
If you are not sure whether you should rent or buy a house in the Netherlands, here are some things to consider when renting a house:
- Mobility; rental contracts can be terminated within a period of one to three months.
- Budget assessment and fixed rental costs.
- Major repairs and routine maintenance are (usually) the landlord’s responsibility.
- There is no reason to resell before moving out.
