Types of student accommodation in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, it is common for students to rent a room in a shared house or apartment with other students. There are options to rent a one-bedroom or studio apartment. Student accommodation is usually provided by real estate agents or private landlords who advertise their rooms on different platforms. Some websites are only in Dutch so we would advise you to use the translate option in your browser or use Google Translate.

A lot of students find a room on the private market. Check the list below for the different housing organisations or join Facebook groups. All students must have a legal address for their registration at the municipality. Non EU/EER students must have a legal address for getting a residence permit.

In the Netherlands, you will generally be asked to sign a lease of at least 12 months and pay at least one month’s rent as a security deposit. Landlords offer (un)furnished rooms with a complete kitchen and bathroom which you share with your housemates. The rent is usually paid per month.

Rental prices for rooms vary strongly and depend on the type and size of the room, (un)furnished, (shared or own) facilities and location. Visit for orientation and more information this site.

 

How to avoid rental scams (tips from WUR)

  1. Does the offer sound too good to be true? Then it probably is.
  2. Be wary of landlords who only offer an email address, a mobile phone number or a Facebook page.
  3. Check who owns the apartment via the Kadaster property register.
  4. Talk to neighbours.
  5. Be extra careful about renting an apartment you haven’t seen. If you’re not in the country yet, can you ask someone – for example a colleague, friend or classmate – to view the apartment for you?
  6. Take your time and don’t let anyone pressure you.
  7. Deposits are legal, many other fees, such as agency fees, disproportionally high administration fees or contract fees are not.
  8. Don’t pay cash!
  9. Test the keys before you hand over large sums of money.
  10. Contact the police if you have been scammed.
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