Housing & Accommodation in the Netherlands for Expats

Renting is the most common choice for newly arrived expats. There are roughly two rental sectors: the social housing (regulated, lower rent, long waiting lists , not usually accessible to new expats) and the private (vrije sector) housing. As an expat, you'll likely be looking at private rentals, which have higher prices but are available immediately if you find a match.

Most rentals are listed as either unfurnished, semi-furnished, or furnished. Unfurnished (kaal) can mean just the bare walls and floors , in the Netherlands it's not uncommon that an unfurnished place has no light fixtures or curtains when you move in! Semi-furnished typically includes basic flooring, lighting, and often appliances like a fridge and washer. Furnished means you can move right in with your suitcase , all furniture and kitchen items are provided. Many expats opt for furnished or semi-furnished rentals, especially if they're on a shorter assignment.

Start your housing search early, if possible even before you arrive. Popular housing websites include Funda, Pararius, Kamernet (for rooms and shared housing), and Expat-specific sites like Expatriates.com or IamExpat housing section. There are also Facebook groups for housing in each city (e.g., "Apartments in Amsterdam" etc.), but be cautious of scams.

Rental agencies: In many cities, especially smaller ones, local rental agencies (makelaars) can help. They often have listings not always posted publicly. Some agencies will charge the tenant a commission (usually one month rent) for their service. Others get paid by the landlord. It's worth registering with a few agencies in your city to get alerts for new listings.

Understand that in the current market, properties go fast. It's not unusual to have group viewings with multiple people interested. Come prepared: bring copies of your documents to a viewing so if you like the place you can apply immediately. A personal introduction letter can sometimes help (briefly stating who you are, your job, etc., to assure the landlord you're a reliable tenant).

If you're struggling to find long-term accommodation right away, or you're on a short assignment, consider short-stay apartments. These are furnished places that you can rent for anywhere from a week to six months or more, often with all utilities included. They tend to be more expensive per month than a normal rental, but offer flexibility.

For instance, there are aparthotels and serviced apartments in cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and yes, Utrecht which specifically cater to expats and business travelers. You might find studios or one-bedrooms ready to go, without the hassle of setting up utilities. Websites like HousingAnywhere, ExpatRentals, or Airbnb (for very short term) can be sources for this.

Another option is to sublet a room or apartment from someone temporarily. Expat forums and local Facebook groups sometimes have postings from people who are traveling abroad and want to rent out their place for a few months. Just make sure any sublease is allowed by the primary landlord and that you can register at the address if you need to (remember that BSN registration requirement!).

Tips for House Hunting in Specific Cities

Your Rights and Things to Watch Out For

When renting, remember that Dutch rental contracts are legal documents , if it's in Dutch, get it translated or ask for an English version. Standard contracts typically include clauses about the notice period (often one or two months), whether it's a fixed term or indefinite lease, and who is responsible for minor repairs (usually the tenant for things under a certain cost).

The Netherlands has some rent control even in private sector for certain properties (usually smaller or lower-quality ones under a points system). If you suspect you're being overcharged for a very basic apartment, you can actually appeal to the Huurcommissie (rental tribunal), although this is a complex route and typically not pursued for short-term stays.

Utilities: In many rentals, you'll be responsible for setting up and paying utilities (gas, water, electricity, internet). Sometimes apartments are advertised as "excl." meaning exclusive of utilities, or "incl." meaning inclusive. Clarify this with the landlord. If it's exclusive, you'll need to budget extra monthly and arrange accounts with providers.