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Resources

FAQs and Blogs to make your move easier

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We’re here to support your Expat journey

Explore all of our resources to keep you informed ahead of your big move to the Netherlands.

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Americans Moving to The Netherlands: What You Need to Know About Dutch Homes

Discover the biggest differences between American and Dutch homes so you know exactly what to expect.

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DAFT Visa Netherlands: The Complete Guide for Americans

Everything you need to know about the DAFT visa. One of the most accessible paths for Americans to move to the Netherlands.

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Our Blogs

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Biggest Expenses Expats Need to Know About When Renting a Home in The Netherlands

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How the Affordable Rent Act Is Shaping the Dutch Housing Market for Expats

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Know the Market: A Guide for Expats

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I expect to pay in rent in Amsterdam?

Expect to pay at least €2,250 for a 1-bedroom, unfurnished apartment.

Expect to pay at least €2,600 for a 2-bedroom, unfurnished apartment.

Furnished apartments typically cost an additional €100 per month.

What is overbidding on rent?

In Amsterdam, and sometimes in surrounding cities, it has become increasingly common to submit an offer for a rental property above the listed rental price in order to secure the home. This is due to the ongoing housing shortage and high demand. The overbid is usually 5-10% above the asking price.

How many people request to view properties in Amsterdam?

For the most desired homes, agents can receive over 100 requests to view properties in a single day.

What types of contracts are available to me?

This can depend on your profile or criteria, but the two most common rental contract types are indefinite term (Model A) and temporary term (Model C) rental agreements. The type of lease available also depends on the property, landlord, and circumstances of the rental.

Model A – Indefinite Rental Contract: An indefinite term lease has no fixed end date and provides the tenant with ongoing rental protection. In almost all cases, the tenant will initially be required to commit to a minimum rental period, often 12 months. After this initial period, the agreement becomes indefinite, and the tenant can end the lease by giving one calendar month’s notice when they are ready to vacate.

Model C – Temporary Rental Contract: A temporary lease with a defined end date determined by the landlord, such as 12 months. These contracts may include a diplomatic clause or other provisions that determine when and how the tenancy can end.

How much income do I need to afford a home?

You will be required to earn at least 3x the rent in monthly gross household income. Some couples or sharers are required to provide at least 3.5 or 4x the rent. 

What additional costs should I be aware of before renting a home in the Netherlands?

Security Deposit - at least one or two months’ base rent.

Utilities - gas, water, electric, TV/internet.

Municipality Taxes - yearly waste collection + water purification tax.

Service Costs - costs for the basic upkeep or maintenance of the building. 

What are the different conditions of homes?

Furnished - In most cases this means you will only need to bring your personal belongings, as the property is fully furnished and equipped with all necessary items (even kitchenware and bed linen).  

Unfurnished - An apartment that excludes any furniture but will include flooring, lights, and fully equipped kitchen.

Shell/Bare - An apartment without a floor, lighting fixtures, curtains and/or (in some cases) essential kitchen equipment.

How much can my rent legally increase each year?

Annual rent increases in the free sector are capped by Dutch law. Recent maximums: 2024 (5.5%), 2025 (4.1%), and 2026 (4.4%, based on 3.4% inflation plus 1%). The exact cap is set annually by the government using inflation or wage growth, whichever is lower, plus 1%.

What does “no cure, no pay” mean?

This means you don’t pay any fees until we successfully find and secure your rental home. If we don’t achieve the desired result, you owe us nothing. It’s a risk-free way to ensure you only pay when your needs are met.

What is a guarantor?

A guarantor is someone who agrees to cover your rent if you're unable to pay. This is especially important for those with a limited budget, as it gives landlords added security and your application more credibility.

Do you have a maximum fee?

The maximum fee we will charge for our services is €3999 (excluding 21% VAT).

Do you find homes all over the Netherlands?

We assist with finding homes within the major cities of the Randstad region, which includes Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, and well-connected nearby cities such as Amstelveen, Haarlem, Diemen, and Leiden. Please note that our services are focused on major cities and urban areas rather than smaller towns or rural locations, as this is where we are best positioned to support you and where housing inventory is more readily available.

Do you only assist expats looking to find a home in the Netherlands?

No. We provide our services to both expats and locals looking for a rental home or apartment in the Netherlands.

How much does it cost to use a rental agent in the Netherlands?

Our fee for Accompanied and Remote Packages equals one month's listed rent, with a minimum fee of €1,999 and a maximum fee of €3,999 (excluding 21% VAT). Our Accompanied Package operates on a no cure, no pay basis so you only pay once we successfully secure your home. Our Unaccompanied Package has a fixed fee of €1,499 (excluding 21% VAT) and also operates on a no cure, no pay basis. Our Remote Package requires an initial €499 deposit to begin, which is then deducted from your final fee once your home is secured.

What’s in the free consultation?

The consultation is a 30 minute introductory/intake call that will serve as an opportunity for our team to get to know you better and assess how we might best assist you to find a home in the Netherlands.

How do you find a property?

We employ several techniques, combining advanced property search technology with our local market expertise and connections to source a mix of on-market and off-market rental properties tailored to your criteria. Our system continuously monitors new rental listings across Amsterdam and the wider Randstad region, sending real-time alerts when properties become available so you can review the best opportunities as quickly as possible—even outside of regular business hours.

How long do viewings take?

Viewings are relatively quick and take 10-15 minutes.

Will there be other people at the viewing?

Yes. The listing agent or landlord will always be at the property. Depending on the viewing format, you may be the only person viewing the property, or you may attend a group viewing with several prospective tenants at the same time or in consecutive scheduled time slots.

Are viewing times and dates flexible?

Due to the competitive nature of the market, viewing slots are limited and they are based solely on the listing agent’s (or realtor’s) schedule. Viewings almost always take place during normal working hours, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 and 18:00.

Am I able to schedule a viewing 2 weeks in advance?

Rental property viewings are typically held shortly after a property is listed—often within one week. Viewing dates and times are set by the listing agency, so being flexible and responding quickly can significantly improve your chances of securing a viewing (and home) in the competitive Netherlands rental market.

What happens at viewings?

When viewing a rental home or apartment in the Netherlands, you will have an opportunity to walk through the property and ask questions to the listing agent to better understand how the home aligns with your criteria.

Do you submit an offer at the viewing?

No. Agents require that we submit formal offers via email or through a designated portal. As your rental agent (or housing consultant), we will submit any offer on your behalf, always with your approval first.

How long does it take to hear a decision on an offer?

This depends on how quickly the landlord or property owner makes a decision. Most applicants receive a response within 24 hours to 3 business days after their rental application has been submitted.

What is the next step after being accepted?

Our team of housing consultants will review your rental agreement, coordinate your check-in appointment, and guide you through the next steps of your move. We'll also assist with setting up your utilities, provide guidance on rental payments, and help ensure everything is in place for a smooth move into your new home in the Netherlands.

Will the contract be in Dutch or English?

Contracts are almost always presented in Dutch. This is because the Dutch version of the contract in the Netherlands is legally binding so it is the one that must be signed. If the listing agent does not share a translated document then we will share a translated version.

Are utility costs included in the rent?

Utilities are almost always excluded from the monthly rent and must be arranged separately. In some properties, however, the landlord keeps certain utilities in their name, or the building has block heating, where you pay a monthly advance for heating costs in addition to the rent. This advance is reconciled against your actual heating costs at the end of the billing period, and you will either receive a refund or pay any outstanding balance. The exact costs for utilities depend on the property and your usage.

What do I typically need to pay before I get the keys to my rental home in the Netherlands?

Before receiving your keys, you'll need to pay your first month's rent (prorated if your move-in date falls somewhere other than the first of the month) and your security deposit. Some properties may also require an upfront utilities advance (covered above).

How much is the security deposit? When do I get it back?

Dutch law caps the security deposit at a maximum of two months' base rent (excluding service charges or utilities). Landlords cannot legally ask for more, though some properties may only require one month's deposit. When your tenancy ends, landlords typically return the deposit within 14 to 30 days, provided there's no damage beyond normal wear and tear. Any deductions must be itemized and backed by documentation, which is why the check-in inspection report (covered below) matters.

What is the purpose of the check-in?

At the check-in, the listing agent will thoroughly document the home's current condition in an inspection report that gets sent to both the tenant and landlord. This documentation serves as a reference point to compare the property's condition when you check out, helping to prevent any disputes over potential damages or repairs.

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