Finding Housing: Tips and Tricks

Housing Areas to Consider

For the Apeldoorn campus, consider living in Apeldoorn, Deventer, Arnhem, or Zwolle. For the Amsterdam study location, explore Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Hoofddorp, Zaandam, or Purmerend.

Smart Search Strategies

Talk to fellow students and join housing-related Facebook groups. Word-of-mouth is often one of the most effective ways to find available rooms. The housing market is competitive, so check listings daily, follow up quickly, and do not get discouraged. Good listings go fast—be ready to respond, schedule viewings, and provide documents (ID, proof of enrolment, etc.) without delay.

Be Flexible

Being open to different types of housing (shared, studio, homestay) and locations can significantly increase your chances. Temporary housing can be a useful stepping stone. Consider renting an unfurnished house, studio, or appartment—these are often cheaper and easier to find. However, you’ll need to buy or rent furniture. In the Netherlands, second-hand stores offer good quality furniture at lower prices. Also consider sharing common areas such as the kitchen and bathroom instead of focusing on a room with private facilities.

Disclaimer: The amounts listed are rough estimates based on publicly available data and typical market conditions in the Netherlands. Actual costs may vary depending on location, housing type, provider, and personal usage. No rights can be derived from these figures.

Cost by City - Room vs Appartment

Additional Costs

• Agency fees: One-off fee, or monthly fee (for a platform)
• Deposit: 1–2 months’ rent. More is a red flag.

Housing Benefit (Huurtoeslag)

If you live in a rented home in the Netherlands, you may be entitled to rent benefit. This is a contribution towards your rental costs. You can check the requirements at the official Dienst Toeslagen website. Note: If you rent a room without a private entrance and house number, you are usually not eligible.

Rental Contracts

Before signing:

• Check the deposit (1–2 months’ rent max)
• Watch for hidden costs (e.g., vague cleaning or admin fees)
• Document the property condition with photos
• Request an English version if needed
• Ensure deposit terms are clear (e.g., not used for final rent)

Legal Rights & Obligations

• Dutch law protects tenants; contracts cannot override statutory rights
• Landlords are responsible for major maintenance; tenants handle minor upkeep
• Discrimination is illegal under the Good Landlordship Act
• Rent increases must follow legal limits and can be challenged

Rental Periods & Termination

• Fixed-term contracts: Max 2 years (independent housing), up to 5 years (shared)
• Indefinite contracts: No end date, often with a minimum term
• Renewals: Temporary contracts do not renew as temporary. If the tenant stays beyond the agreed end date, the contract converts to indefinite by law.
• Termination: Tenants usually give 1 month’s notice; landlords must give 3–6 months with legal grounds. Landlords cannot terminate without a valid reason under Dutch law.

Why Registration Is Essential

Municipal registration (BRP) is legally required within 5 days of arrival if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months. It is essential for obtaining a BSN number, which you need for work, healthcare, taxes, banking, and insurance. Without registration, you cannot legally work or access government services.

For international students holding a Dutch study residence permit, BRP registration is a condition for maintaining legal residency. The IND and municipal systems are linked, so failure to register can lead to your residence permit being flagged as non-compliant and possibly revoked. Without a BSN, you cannot work part-time, open a Dutch bank account, or take out mandatory Dutch health insurance, and you may face legal consequences.

In short, registration confirms your official address and activates your rights and obligations as a resident student in the Netherlands.

How to Register

Register at your local municipality (gemeente). You’ll need:

• Valid passport or ID
• Rental contract or proof of address
• Birth/marriage certificates (may need legalization)
• Residence permit (for non-EU nationals)

Appointments are usually required—book early due to long wait times.
 

Be cautious of:

• No BRP registration possible
• Pay before viewing or signing the contract
• No photos or unverifiable address
• No viewing allowed
• Landlord lives abroad
• Urgent payment requests
• Untraceable payment methods (e.g., Western Union)

If in doubt, contact Wittenborg Housing Department for advice.

If you face disputes or unfair treatment:

• Contact support services like the Dutch Dispute Board: Huurcommissie
• Know your rights under the Dutch rent laws
• Seek help if you experience discrimination or illegal practices