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

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

Groningen:  At Home in Groningen​

Leeuwarden:  Leeuwarden Student City