The Ned|Lon Guide to Renting a Home in The Netherlands

Renting a home in The Netherlands can be a complex process, especially for international students. Being informed about the requirements, payment terms, and rental market dynamics will help you navigate this process with greater ease and confidence.

In this blog post, we'll outline some points to keep in mind when renting a home.

Guide to Renting a Home in The Netherlands: Important Considerations for International Students

Renting a flat in The Netherlands comes with its own set of rules and regulations, and as an international student, it's crucial to be well-informed about the key things upfront. In this blog post, we'll outline some points to keep in mind when renting a home.

1. Attending Viewings

The properties our clients wish to proceed with will be viewed by one of our team members. If you are in The Netherlands at the time of the viewing, you are more than welcome to attend the viewings with The Ned|Lon Team as well. And if not then don’t worry, as our team will be taking detailed photos and videos for you to get a realistic preview of the apartment as well as retrieve all necessary information that you might want to know about your future home.

2. Utilities

95% of the times the monthly rent of the apartments are excluding utilities (water, gas, electricity and internet). The biggest reason for this is the fluctuating prices as well as the dependency on the tenants’ consumption. Therefore, an apartment for which the monthly rent is including utilities is a difficult one to find. Positive aspect; you can subscribe with a utility provider of your choice. Our team will also be providing you with a list of utility providers that you could pick from if you prefer.

3. Rental Contract Durations:

The length of rental contracts in The Netherlands can vary. Many students aim to secure a rental contract that covers the entire duration of their education (i.e., 9 months), but this is almost impossible, especially in competitive housing markets like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Landlords often prefer longer-term contracts to reduce the turnover of tenants and maintain stability in their properties. However, there are exceptions, and landlords may include a break clause in the contract, allowing you to terminate the lease with a one-month notice. It's worth noting that this break clause might not be available until at least 12 months into the tenancy.

4. Payment Terms & Deposits:

Tenants are not forced to offer advanced payments, but in cases for students where the guarantor is residing in a foreign country, and where multiple offers are made on a highly desirable property, offering 3-6 months' rent in advance can strengthen your offer and make it more competitive.

The deposit payments in The Netherlands is often equivalent to 2 months’ rent amount. This deposit is collected when you make the first payment and serves as insurance for the landlord in case of any damage to the property during your tenancy. If no damage occurs, the full deposit is refunded at the end of your lease. Sometimes landlords also request for a higher deposit payment in case you are a student or would like to bring in your pet.

5. How Long Does It Take to Find a Home with The Ned|Lon?

The time it takes to find suitable flat in The Netherlands can vary widely. We usually advise our clients to allow at least 1-2 months for the search process as there are various dependencies on the time that it takes to find a suitable property including the available apartments, competitiveness to desired properties, our clients’ preferences etc. Therefore, it's important to maintain active communication with us and be prepared for the possibility of finding a property within a few days or taking a couple of weeks. We understand that each student's situation is unique, and we tailor our services accordingly, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

6. Key Handover & Inspection Report:

During the key handover of your new home, the rental agency will be conducting the check-in and an inventory check that will be documented. You'll receive a copy of this Inventory Report, and it's important to compare it with your own observations. If you notice any discrepancies or additional issues, you should promptly report them with photos within the first 14 days after the key handover to ensure they are addressed and reported.

7. Signing the Rental Contract:

The rental contract in The Netherlands are signed digitally both by the landlord and the tenant. So you won’t have to be in The Netherlands physically in order to sign the rental contract.

Renting a home in The Netherlands can be a complex process, especially for international students. Being informed about the requirements, payment terms, and rental market dynamics will help you navigate this process with greater ease and confidence. Remember, it's crucial to maintain clear communication with us and ensure that all necessary documents are in place before starting your tenancy.