Rental Accommodations

Due to high demand for rental properties, rents are high and availability is somewhat low in the Netherlands. Some rentals are only available for locals who qualify for housing subsidies, which give them access to different living spaces than foreigners renting on a temporary basis. 

Housing pricing can vary widely based on size, location, quality, age, and conditions (furnished, soft-furnished, bare, including or excluding utilities, parking, shared facilities, etc). Below are the broadly applicable average monthly rental prices for the Northern Netherlands:

• Studio: €550 – €750
• 1 Bedroom apartment: €750 – €1,000
• 2 Bedroom apartment: €750 – €1250
• 3+ Bedroom apartment/house: €900+

Rent is payable on the first of the month in advance, and rental agreements are usually a minimum of 12 months, require a one-month down-payment and/or deposit and rent usually has to be paid before the first day of the following month. Termination of a rental contract in general requires a one month’s written notice from the renter and a three month’s written notice from the landlord. It’s common for utilities to not be included in the rent price (often called “kale huur” or “exclusief”). The renter is also usually responsible for municipal taxes, such as garbage and waste water. These taxes are paid to the tax collecting organizations and not the landlord.

Mediation fees

If the estate agent is working for the landlord, the landlord will pay the mediation cost. However, you may have to pay an administration fee (generally between €50 – €150).

If you hire an estate agent to work for you (searching for a suitable home, house viewings, contract negotiation and paperwork), the common fee for the rental agency’s service is the amount of one month’s rent, plus 21% tax.

A tenant rental deposit of one month is also common. This does not accrue interest and will be paid back to you after a satisfactory inspection of the home upon leaving.

The landlord will pay the insurance on the accommodation itself, but if you bring your own possessions, you will be responsible for insuring your belongings.

Check with the landlord whether pets are allowed and what the smoking policy is before asking for a rental contract.

The documents required for the rental contract are:

• copy of your passport
• pay slip
• employer statement or auditor’s report

Legal support

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a dispute with your landlord or tenant there a a few organisations to get support from:

Steunpunt Huren Groningen

Rent Support Center Groningen provides free legal advice, support and mediation in matters between tenants and landlords in the municipality of Groningen. If tenants or landlords cannot find a solution themselves or if tenants want or need assistance in solving their issues, there is always the possibility to contact the Rent Support Center to discuss specific rental matters. An employee or volunteer of the Rent Support Center will then look into the matter, give legal advice and, if necessary, mediate between the tenant and landlord.

Huurteam Leeuwarden

Huurteam Leeuwarden is an independent organisation with a great deal of knowledge about housing and the interests of tenants. You can contact them for free if you need to check your rental contract or if you think your rent or service costs are overcharged. They give advice and help you find the best solution to your problem or  refer you to someone who can, for example the district team, the municipality, the police or the legal desk.They mainly help tenants, but landlords can also contact them for help and information.

Frently

One of the main services provided by Frently is its rental price checker, which helps tenants calculate the maximum amount of rent their accommodations are worth. Frently also helps tenants get their rent reduced and get the money they have overpaid back through the Dutch legal system. Be sure to do the rent check within the first 6 months after moving in.

Huurcommissie

The Rent Assessment Committee offers help to tenants and landlords if they disagree about, for example, the rent, maintenance or service costs. They assess the dispute based on legislation and regulations and make a decision that both parties must adhere to.

Het Juridisch Loket

The Legal Desk is always available for people with legal questions or problems. You can find answers to frequently asked questions on their website. People with a low income can also receive personal advice from one of our lawyers. Everyone can call or visit them for free.

Additional information  about student housing can also be found at the following websites:​

Groningen:  At Home in Groningen​

Leeuwarden:  Leeuwarden Student City