From search to keys

1
Search widely
Large rental websites, social housing portals (with waiting lists), local agencies and your network.
2
Prepare your documents
ID, employer statement or contract, recent payslips and bank statements. Many landlords ask for an income of 3 to 4 times the rent.
3
View in person or by video
Never pay anything before you have seen the home and met the landlord or agent.
4
Check the rent
Use the points system: many homes have a legal maximum rent. See cost of living.
5
Sign and pay the deposit
For new contracts the deposit may be at most two months' basic rent.
6
Register at the address
You must register with the municipality; a landlord may not forbid this.

Your rights as a tenant

Permanent by default

Since 1 July 2024 rental contracts are in principle for an indefinite period, with limited exceptions (for example for students).

No double agency fees

An agent working for the landlord may not charge you, the tenant.

Huurcommissie

The rent tribunal can lower a rent that is too high and rules on service costs and defects.

Maintenance

The landlord handles major repairs; small daily repairs are usually yours.

This article is based on these official pages. If anything here differs from them, the official page is right.

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