Whether you are renting an apartment for the first time or the last, finding the perfect home in the Netherlands may prove to be more challenging than you thought. But let us assure you that it’s not your fault! The housing situation in the Netherlands is unfortunate, to say the least. But do not be discouraged – you can still find an apartment that fits both your lifestyle and your budget; you just need to keep in mind a few important aspects, which we explain below.
1. PRICE
First and foremost, consider your budget and what you can afford. Rental prices can vary greatly from one city to another, so it’s a good idea to find out beforehand what the average rental prices are in the area you want to stay in. The Randstad is by far the most expensive area in the Netherlands, but also the most popular with many job and education opportunities.
2. LOCATION
When we talk about rental prices, the biggest factor influencing the price is the location. In general, it is much cheaper to rent outside the city than in the center, and considering the excellent public transportation and cycling infrastructure in this country, many people in The Netherlands choose to rent on the outskirts of a city.
3. FURNISHING
Any rental listing should give you information about the amenities of the apartment you are renting. There are usually three types of furnishings: unfurnished, partially furnished, and furnished.
Unfurnished apartments do not have any furniture whatsoever, and without any floorings or curtains installed, (unless the listing states otherwise). However, kitchen and bathroom should be available.
If you are looking for an apartment without furniture, but do not want to bother with the hassle of installing the floors, you should opt for a partially furnished apartment.
Furnished apartments usually include the main furniture you need for your stay, such as a bed, a dining table and some storage space. When you rent a furnished apartment from Living In Holland, you will get everything you need during your stay, including the little things like cutlery or a vacuum cleaner. Basically, everything is included except the bed linen! This is perfect for expats and exchange students renting in The Netherlands for a short period of time.
4. UTILITIES
If you rent an unfurnished apartment, you usually have to take care of the utilities yourself. If utilities are taken care of by your landlord, you will pay a fixed amount for all utilities based on average household consumption. At the end of the year, you will then receive a so-called statement. In it, you can see a detailed comparison between what you paid and what you actually consumed last year. This is a common practice in the Netherlands, so the utility companies themselves work on the basis of this advance payment.
5. CONTRACT DURATION
Most contracts in the Netherlands are signed for a standard term of at least 12 months. After this period, your contract is usually renewed indefinitely, unless otherwise agreed in your agreement. Short-stay contracts are actually not very common, which makes short-stay rentals at Living In Holland a good option for expats and exchange students. View our current short stay offer.
6. RENTAL CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
The main specifications you should look for in a rental contract, are:
– The rental price, and whether it includes utilities, electric bills, etc.
– The deposit (1-2 months rent is normal).
– The date of moving in.
– The length of the contract.
– Who’s responsible for maintenance and repairs. Make sure it’s clear who’ll take care of both the garden and the building.
– What’s in the contract? For example, do I also rent the furniture or am I taking them over from the previous tenant and be responsible for them when I move out? Items that you took over/purchased from a previous tenant or that were in the house but aren’t in the lease are your responsibility when you move out.
– Always request a check-in report showing the exact condition of the property as you are moving in, signed and dated by all parties. This document should list all damages. You’ll need this document when you move out, as you must return the property in the same condition you received it. > if you’re unsure: always ask in what condition you should return the apartment at the end of your lease.
– Are my utilities included or should I have to sign a separate contract? And is there a mandatory utility provider?
We wish you the best in your journey of finding lovely accommodation for your stay in Holland. You can find our range of accommodations on our residences page.
