Rent Room

Renting in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, both natives and foreigners frequently rent. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), 42% of all dwelling units in the nation are available for rent. Housing associations hold over 75% of the rental houses in the nation, which has a large proportion of social housing.

When determining whether to purchase or rent a home in the Netherlands, there are several aspects to consider. Renting allows for greater freedom and reduces your maintenance-related duties. In the Netherlands, renting comes with a number of safeguards, and if your income is modest, you can be eligible for a rent allowance.

Rental properties categories

In general, there are five different types of housing available in the Netherlands. Which are:

detached residences (vrijstaand)

a pair of attached homes (twee onder een kap)

townhouses/terraced homes (rijtjeshuis)

Apartments (appartement) can be one, two, three, or even larger houseboats (woonboot) in size. Not often, but occasionally, you can discover them for rent.

Exclusive and Inclusive rents

The basic rent (kale huur) and service fees (servicekosten), which typically account for 25% of the basic rent, comprise rent in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, inclusive renting refers to a situation where all utility bills, such as gas, water, electricity, and internet, are included in the monthly rent. These expenses will be in addition to the stated price if you are renting exclusive means.

It may be necessary for you to negotiate contracts directly with providers of services including power, gas, water, and internet. On the one hand, this requires more work, but on the other hand, you may compare prices from several service providers and select the one that is most affordable. In the Netherlands, there are numerous suppliers of power, gas, and water. To compare various offers, you might utilize comparison websites like pricewise or Independer.

Renting a room ‘huisgenoten’ and ‘gezelligheid’

This is a popular choice among students and recent grads as well as those who just wish to keep their monthly rent costs as low as possible and enjoy socializing.

Renting a room in the Netherlands usually entails having your own bedroom (the size will vary between and within residences) as well as sharing a kitchen and bathroom. There may also occasionally be a gezellig living room or common area where you can socialize with your roommates (huisgenoten).

Renting a studio

An apartment without a private bedroom is called a studio. Instead, you get a combined living and sleeping area, and you usually have a kitchen and bathroom to yourself. For those who desire their own space but are still on a tight budget, this is a fantastic option.

Renting an apartment

Couples, families, or a group of friends who want to live together in one place can find renting an apartment in the Netherlands to be the ideal solution. You may want to think about subletting the rooms if you decide to rent an apartment! (Always double-check the terms of the contract with your landlord.)

Renting an ‘anti-kraak’ property (short-term and cheap)

The cheapest method to rent in the Netherlands is usually always in an anti-kraak (your rent can occasionally be as low as €150 per month!).

But there is a cost associated with living on a budget. You won’t have the same rights as a regular renter if you live in an anti-kraak, and you may be kicked out on short notice.

Renting as an international student

The University Housing Office, which provides a variety of housing to new students, can be contacted if you are an international student.

But that doesn’t mean you should relax! Make sure you apply as soon as possible because university housing is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Most student housing agreements are for one year. When the year is out, ideally you’ve settled in this place well enough to locate a place on your own.