How to Rent an Apartment in the Netherlands as an International Student

How to Rent an Apartment in the Netherlands as an International Student

Renting an apartment in the Netherlands can be one of the most difficult parts of studying abroad.

International students often search from another country while trying to understand unfamiliar rental rules, security deposits, municipal registration, guarantor requirements, utilities, and housing benefits.

The Netherlands continues to face a serious housing shortage, and the official Study in NL platform advises students to arrange accommodation before arriving whenever possible.

This guide explains how to rent an apartment in the Netherlands as an international student in 2026.

Can International Students Rent Apartments in the Netherlands?

Yes. International students can rent:

• Private studios.
• One-bedroom apartments.
• Rooms in shared houses.
• Furnished apartments.
• Purpose-built student housing.

The main challenge is usually availability and competition.

Do not arrive in the Netherlands assuming you will quickly find an affordable room. Start searching as early as possible and use several housing websites at the same time.

Understand the Main Dutch Rental Terms

Before contacting landlords, learn these common terms:

• Kale huur: Basic rent before additional costs.
• Servicekosten: Service charges for certain building-related services.
• Borg: Security deposit.
• Huurcontract: Rental agreement.
• Gemeubileerd: Furnished.
• Gestoffeerd: Usually includes flooring and basic fittings but not full furniture.
• Inschrijving: Registration at the address.
• BRP: Personal Records Database.

Never compare apartments using the basic rent alone.

Your real monthly cost may be much higher after adding utilities, internet, service charges, transport, and insurance.

What Documents May International Students Need?

Prepare a digital rental application folder before contacting landlords or agents.

You may be asked for:

• Passport.
• Visa or residence permit.
• University admission or enrollment letter.
• Recent bank statements.
• Scholarship confirmation.
• Financial sponsorship evidence.
• Proof of income, if applicable.
• Guarantor information.
• Previous landlord references.

Requirements vary between properties.

Only send sensitive documents after verifying the landlord, agency, or accommodation platform.

Can You Rent Without Dutch Income or a Guarantor?

Yes, but finding a private apartment may be more difficult.

Some landlords prefer tenants who can show regular income. International students who do not meet the normal income requirements may be asked for other evidence.

Possible options include:

• Proof of sufficient savings.
• Scholarship documents.
• Financial sponsorship letters.
• A guarantor accepted by the landlord.
• University-arranged housing.
• Student-specific accommodation.

Ask about financial requirements before paying any application, platform, or reservation fee.

Do not assume that paying many months of rent in advance automatically makes a rental safe. You should still verify the property and read the contract.

Check Whether You Can Register at the Address

This is one of the most important questions to ask before renting in the Netherlands:

Can I register at this address?

Students who will stay in the Netherlands for more than four months generally need to register with the municipality where they live and enter the BRP. Official guidance states that registration should take place within five days of arrival.

Registration gives you a BSN, or citizen service number, which is important for many administrative processes.

Before paying, ask the landlord:

• Is municipal registration allowed?
• Can I use this address for BRP registration?
• Will I receive the documents required by the municipality?

Be cautious when someone offers a long-term room but refuses to allow registration.

Students staying for less than four months may need to register through the Non-residents Records Database, or RNI, instead.

Understand Your Rental Contract

Read the entire agreement before signing.

Check:

• Basic monthly rent.
• Service costs.
• Utility arrangements.
• Deposit.
• Contract start date.
• Contract end date, if applicable.
• Notice period.
• Furniture included.
• Maintenance responsibilities.
• Registration rights.
• Subletting rules.

Since July 1, 2024, indefinite rental contracts have become the standard for many new tenancies, although certain groups—including some students—may still receive fixed-term agreements under legal exceptions. Some qualifying fixed-term student contracts can last up to two years.

Never assume a student contract works the same way as every other rental agreement.

Check exactly:

• Whether the agreement is fixed-term or indefinite.
• Whether you can leave before the end date.
• How much notice you must provide.
• What happens when the agreed period ends.

How Much Is the Security Deposit?

For Dutch tenancy agreements starting on or after July 1, 2023, the maximum security deposit is generally two months of basic rent.

At the end of the tenancy, the deposit should generally be returned within 14 days.

When the landlord makes permitted deductions, the remaining balance should generally be returned within 30 days. Deductions may cover items such as unpaid rent, eligible service costs, or damage for which the tenant is responsible.

Before paying a deposit:

1. Verify the landlord.
2. Read the rental agreement.
3. Confirm the exact amount.
4. Use a traceable payment method.
5. Keep the receipt.

Never transfer a deposit simply to receive an apartment viewing.

Calculate the Real Cost of Renting

Your housing budget may include:

Dutch government guidance states that landlords can only charge actual eligible service costs and must provide an annual overview. Gas, water, and electricity are treated separately from service costs.

Ask for a written breakdown before signing.

Check Whether the Rent Is Reasonable

The Netherlands uses a rental points system for many properties.

Students can use the official Huurcommissie Rent Check to assess whether the rent matches the quality and characteristics of the accommodation.

Social and midprice housing can have maximum rents, and rented rooms in shared accommodation are also subject to rent ceilings under the points system.

This is particularly important when a small room appears unusually expensive.

If you believe the rent is too high, the Huurcommissie may be able to assess the rent depending on the type of tenancy and when you apply.

Can International Students Get Rent Benefit in 2026?

Some international students may qualify for huurtoeslag, or rent benefit.

You must meet the official conditions, which can include:

• Lawful residence in the Netherlands.
• An eligible residence status.
• Registration at the rental address.
• A qualifying rental agreement.
• Income and assets within the applicable rules.

Non-Dutch residents may qualify when they are lawfully in the Netherlands and meet the other conditions.

A major change took effect in 2026: rent can no longer automatically be “too high” to apply for rent benefit, although the amount you receive still depends on factors including rent and income.

However, students renting an ordinary room in shared accommodation usually cannot receive rent benefit because the home is not independent. A self-contained home generally needs its own entrance, kitchen, toilet, and bathroom.

Do not include rent benefit in your budget until you check your individual eligibility.

How to Avoid Rental Scams

The housing shortage creates opportunities for scammers.

The official Study in NL platform advises students not to sign a contract without seeing the room. When you cannot visit in person, arrange a live online tour.

Red flags include:

• Rent far below similar properties.
• Pressure to transfer money immediately.
• No in-person or live video viewing.
• Payment to an unrelated person.
• No written contract.
• Refusal to allow address registration.
• Requests to leave a protected booking platform.

Before paying:

1. Search the full property address.
2. Verify the landlord or agency.
3. Request a live viewing.
4. Read the contract.
5. Confirm the payment recipient.
6. Check whether registration is allowed.
7. Keep all receipts and messages.

Protect Yourself on Move-In Day

Before unpacking:

• Take dated photos and videos.
• Record existing damage.
• Photograph furniture and appliances.
• Record meter readings.
• Confirm the number of keys received.
• Report problems in writing.

Keep this evidence until after your deposit has been returned.

A clear move-in record can prevent disputes over damage that existed before your tenancy.

Best Strategy for International Students

The safest process is:

1. Start searching several months early.
2. Check university-arranged housing first.
3. Prepare your rental documents.
4. Compare several properties.
5. Confirm that BRP registration is possible.
6. View and verify the accommodation.
7. Check the rent with official tools when necessary.
8. Read the full rental agreement.
9. Pay the deposit through a traceable method.
10. Document the property when you move in.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to rent an apartment in the Netherlands as an international student is about much more than finding an available room.

You need to check whether registration is possible, understand the difference between basic rent and additional costs, verify the deposit, read the rental contract, and investigate whether you qualify for rent benefit.

The biggest mistake is sending money quickly because you are afraid of losing a property.

The housing market is competitive, but a verified apartment with a clear contract is always better than a suspicious deal that looks cheap and urgent.

Official Sources

• Study in NL — Finding a Place to Live
• Government of the Netherlands — Step-by-Step Plan for Tenants
• Government of the Netherlands — Rented Housing
• Netherlands Worldwide — Municipal Registration
• Huurcommissie — Official Rent Check
• Dienst Toeslagen — Rent Benefit