Published on

How to Rent a House in the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Guide

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Lars
    Twitter

Due to the current housing crisis, finding a rental property in the Netherlands is not easy. The process below describes the procedure of searching, viewing, negotiating, and signing a lease. This post serves as a living document for the process of renting a house. If you see any errors or additions, please let me know so I can make improvements.

The following steps must be taken to rent a house:

  1. How do you search?
  2. Viewing a house
  3. Additional research
  4. Information
  5. Signing a lease
  6. Deposit and payment
  7. Transfer of the property

Before you start looking for a rental property, you need to know what your financial possibilities are. It is important to determine how much you can pay per month in rent, including any additional costs such as gas, water, electricity, and service costs. In busy places, rent is often charged 3x to 4x per month (Amsterdam).

It is wise to know whether you are eligible for rent allowance, a government subsidy for people with lower incomes. There are online calculators available that you can use to calculate whether you can receive rent allowance. Sometimes a website also states whether you can receive rent allowance. This is usually a lot.

1. How do you start looking?

Nowadays, it is extremely important to respond quickly to properties.

As soon as you know how much you can pay, you can start your search. The most used websites to find rental properties in the Netherlands are:

  • Funda
  • Pararius
  • Kamernet

In addition, many real estate agencies have their own range of rental properties. It can therefore be useful to use a rental agent. However, this is expensive. You often pay 1 month's rent for this.

2. Viewing a house

Have you found a suitable home and have you been invited for a viewing? Make sure you are well prepared and know what to look for.

Location

The location is one of the most important aspects of a home. What does the neighborhood feel like? Is there sufficient parking? Are there shops, public transport and other facilities nearby?

Interior

Inside, you should pay attention to the layout of the home. Are the rooms large enough? What is the condition of the kitchen and bathroom? Is there sufficient storage space?

Installations

Check for an oven, washing machine, dryer and tools for the kitchen.

Sustainability

Rental properties are becoming increasingly sustainable. The energy label of a home is usually available on the website. If not, ask for it. Are there energy-saving facilities such as double glazing or solar panels?

3. Additional research

Before you make a decision, it is important to do additional research on the rental property. Ask about previous tenant experiences, and check whether there are any construction or maintenance problems that could affect your living pleasure. It may also be wise to look at the area at different times of the day to get a good idea of ​​the atmosphere. Also look at the reviews of the real estate agent on trustpilot, and on Google.

4. Data

If you decide after the viewing that you want to rent the home, it is time to send your data. Do this as prescribed by the Rijksoverheid.

5. Signing a rental agreement

Once you have reached an agreement with the landlord, a rental agreement will be drawn up. This document contains all agreements, such as the rent, the duration of the agreement, the deposit, and any service costs.

Make sure you read the rental agreement carefully before signing. Pay particular attention to clauses relating to:

  • The rent and any annual increases
  • The notice period
  • Any obligations regarding maintenance
  • Rules regarding pets or subletting

It is also important to know what the deposit is and when it will be refunded after the end of the rental agreement.

6. Deposit and payment

When signing the rental agreement, you will usually be asked to pay a deposit. This is often equal to one or two months' rent. The deposit serves as a guarantee for the landlord in the event of damage to the property or non-payment. Make sure you receive proof of payment!

In addition, you must pay the first month's rent before you receive the keys. Make sure all financial matters are clear before you move into the property.

7. Transfer of the property

The final step is the official transfer of the property