The housing market in the region is mainly controlled by commercial real estate agents. There are also non-commercial woningcorporaties (housing agencies). Suitable accommodation is usually readily available. However, it will be more difficult to find accommodation during August/ September and January/February, due to the arrival of students and university staff. If you plan to arrive during these months, begin to look for accommodation as early as possible.

Types of Rental Properties

There are three types of rental properties available in the Netherlands:

1. Ongemeubileerd (Bare): No decorations and furniture, flooring or light fixtures

2. Gestoffeerd (Unfurnished): Only decorations, such as flooring and curtains.

3. Gemeubileerd (Furnished): Completely decorated and furnished with all appliances.

Ask if the rental agency charges a mediation fee! The Dutch Consumer Authority  (Autoriteit Consument en Markt), has ruled that agencies are only allowed to charge the party they are representing. If that is the landlord then the agency cannot charge the tenant and the tenant does not have to pay the agency.

Rental Prices

Rent varies widely, but in the private market you could expect to pay the following (excluding service costs and utilities):

• Studio apartment* - starting from € 750

• 2 bedroom apartment* - starting from € 850

• 3 bedroom terraced house -  €1,000 - €1,450

• Semi-detached house - starting from € 1200

• Detached house -  starting from € 1,800

* Unfurnished

Rental Contract

Major points to look for in a rental contract, include:

• The correct rental price, and whether it includes service charges and energy bills, etc.

• The correct deposit (1-2 month’s rent is normal).

• The correct date of entry.

• The duration of the contract. Most are fixed for one year, with a notice period of one month from either party (after 12 months).

• Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Make sure it is clear who looks after the garden as well as the building.

• What is included in the contract eg am I renting the floors too, or am I taking them over from the previous tenant making them my responsibility upon vacate. Items that you took over/bought from a previous tenant or were in the property but not in the contract are your responsibility when you vacate. This might very well mean that you may have to remove a floor, or paint a wall white.

• Always ask for an entry condition report. You need a report that demonstrates the accurate state of the property before moving in that needs to be signed and dated by all parties. This document should show all damages. You need this document when you vacate as you will need to hand the property back in the same state as you received it. -> when unsure: always ask in what state you are expected to give the property back after your lease ended.

• Are my utilities included or should I start my own contract? And is there a mandatory supplier?