Room
Renting a room
The most common way to start. Check whether you can register at that address and which costs are included.
Housing
Finding a home is the hardest part of moving to the Netherlands. There are no listings here: there is what you should know before paying anything.
Apartment
Renting an apartment
It usually requires provable income and a deposit. Read which costs are separate: energy, water, municipal charges.
With the job
Housing through an employment agency
Convenient for arriving, but it ties home and job together. Ask in writing for the price, what it includes and what happens if the contract ends.
Money
The deposit
At most two months' basic rent for contracts from 1 July 2023. Pay it with a receipt or by bank transfer; it must be returned within 14 days of the end of the tenancy.
Paperwork
The rental contract
It must state who is letting, the price, the duration and the costs. Without a contract there is no municipal registration and nothing to claim on.
Paperwork
Municipal registration at the address
Before paying, confirm that you will be able to register at that address. Without registration there is no resident BSN.
Money
Costs people forget
Energy, internet, municipal charges, home insurance and transport to work.
Where
Choosing an area
Decide by journey time and by your shifts, not by the name of the city. Living outside the centre often pays off.
Safety
Warning signs of a scam
You are asked for money before seeing the home, the owner “is abroad”, the price is too good or registration is not allowed.
Essentials before you rent
Registering at the address
Before you pay, ask whether you will be able to register with the municipality at that address. Without registration there is no resident BSN and many procedures are blocked.
Room, studio or apartment
Many people start by renting a room. A studio or apartment usually requires proof of income and a deposit.
Housing linked to your job
Convenient when you arrive, but it ties your home to your job. Get the price, what it includes and what happens if the contract ends in writing. Deducting it from the minimum wage requires your consent.
Deposit
For contracts signed from 1 July 2023, at most two months' basic rent (three for earlier contracts). Pay by bank transfer or get a receipt. It must be returned within 14 days of the end of the tenancy, or within 30 if there are deductions explained in writing. Source: Rijksoverheid, checked on 14-10-2026.
Agency fees
If the letting agent works for the landlord, the landlord pays the fee: they may not also charge you, even if it is called contract or administration costs (Good Landlordship Act).
Tenancy agreement
It must state the rent, the deposit and the notice period. Read it before signing and keep a copy.
Monthly costs
On top of rent: health insurance, energy, water, internet and phone, transport and municipal taxes. Note each amount and its payment date.
Social or private housing
Social housing has low rents, is for lower incomes and often has long waiting lists, especially in big cities. Private-sector rents are higher and the wait is shorter.
If there is a dispute
The Huurcommissie (rent tribunal) settles some disputes between tenants and landlords. Het Juridisch Loket gives free guidance.
How to spot a rental scam
- You are asked to pay before seeing the property or signing the contract.
- The landlord says they are abroad and asks you to send money, or offers to send the keys “by courier”.
- The price is far below similar homes in the area.
- You are asked for a copy of your identity document before any viewing or contract.
- You are pressured to decide and pay on the same day.
- You are asked for a deposit of more than two months' basic rent, or a fee for the landlord's agent.
Where to find information and where to search
Well-known platforms, listed without any agreement with Ruta NL and without recommending any of them. Each advert is the responsibility of whoever posts it: always apply the checks on this page.
City guides
General descriptions, without prices: a price without a source and a date is no use.
Amsterdam
Plenty of work in hospitality, services and technology. Housing is the hard part: many people live in nearby towns and commute by train.
Rotterdam
Port and logistics. A large city with very different neighbourhoods: look at the journey to your workplace.
The Hague
Government, international organisations and hospitality. Close to the Westland greenhouse area.
Utrecht
Central and very well connected by train. A university city: demand for rooms is high.
Eindhoven
Industry and technology. Many companies work in English.
Groningen
A university city in the north. Further from the rest of the country, with its own pace.
Before you pay, check
- You have seen the home, in person or on a live video call.
- You have a contract with the name of the person letting it.
- You can register at that address.
- You pay by bank transfer to an account in the name of the person who signs.
- You know which costs are separate.
If you have doubts about the price or the contract, the rent tribunal and the Juridisch Loket offer guidance.
Ruta NL does not let or broker housing, and it does not publish properties.