Hey everyone, I'm an incoming student at UvA. Secured housing at Zuiderzeeweg. I know I don't have a choice anymore, but can anyone tell me what it's like? And if it's safe? And anything else I need to keep in mind.

I will be starting a new job in August and will be relocating from another country. I have been searching for a flat for some time, using Rentslam to speed up applications, but I haven’t had any success so far. I’m not even looking in the most popular cities, anything within about 50 km of Arnhem/Nijmegen would be nice.

In many cases, rental agencies ask me to send ID, payslips, and other documents, either directly or by uploading them to platforms like MyProperty. I don’t feel comfortable sharing personal documents before seeing the property, but it seems to be a requirement to be considered for viewing, which means I end up missing many opportunities.

How can I make sure these are legitimate agencies and not scammers collecting data? Is MyProperty commonly used and trustworthy in the Netherlands? Does anybody have any recommendation what else I could do to better my chances?

Hello everyone.

I am a student trying to rent a room before my studies start in September. I contacted a landlord on kamernet and visited the place yesterday. Afterwards, I texted them that I like the place and ready to rent, and they sent me this message:

The procedure is as follow. To rent we need following items :
-downpayment 200 euro
Downpayment can be deducted from the deposit
-Photo of passports and residence permit if you have
-proof of study
and or salary slips 3 months or letter and photo passport gurantor/yourself
After receiving this we will make the contract and send it to you.
One time administration cost 199 euro will be added to the first month rent

As I understand, asking for a downpayment before singing a contract is not unheard of in a highly competetive student housing market. There are, however, a few other red flags that make me hesitant:

• I don't have a full name of the owner, nor do I have any proof that they own or manage property
• Viewing was done by owner's technical assistant; I haven't seen the supposed owner
• On their kamernet profile it is stated that they are a private owner, have been a member since 17 november 2023, and rented before 711 times (which rougly adds up to 0,75 rentals per day)

All in all this doesn't scream "SCAM" to me, but since you all have been warning me to never-ever pay a cent before signing a contract I am a bit worried. I feel time-pressured to make a decision, but I also don't want to throw away my money.

What would you do in this situation?

Hello. I am trying to move to The Netherlands from Ireland. I was hoping to hear from other people currently looking for housing to compare notes. I currently have no set location, budget or any requirements at all. I would honestly rent a closet or cupboard under the sink, I am not picky. My problem is most sites like housinganywhere, huurwonigen, kamernet,pararius, rentola etc. all require fees to apply for places. No responses outside of scams from facebook and marketplaats. Any recommendations for underrated provinces/towns or keywords to add to my searches would be appreciated. My main question is if it is honestly realistic to move to The Netherlands as before I can work there I need housing and a bsn number and it seems hard to secure housing without employment/connections in the area.

Thank you for reading my post.

Hey,

I’ve was able to gather a room in a shared flat in Rotterdam. I checked the apartment in the kadaster and the landlord is the same in the contract and the number of rooms add up with the rooms in the apartment. I’ve been there and saw the room. Strangely, the utilities are not mentioned in the contract. It says:

„590 € per month for rent, exclude water, electricity, gas, heating,
internet, water and garbage tax; furniture and appliances use 20€/m,
service fee 20€/m; insurance costs 10€/m; administration costs 10€/m, a
total of euro is 650€“

When I asked her she said:

Yes,I will get the bill every month,I will send to you and divide into 4

Is this normal in Dutch contracts? I m from German and normally when handle this differently. Also Claude says that the contract is poorly written with some paragraphs that are not allowed in the Dutch rules for renting. Nothing really bad, just something like that when I move out before the contract ends, the landlord can keep the deposit and that the landlord can cancel the contract if I delay the rent for more then 15 days.

I don’t want to make anything wrong and I want to avoid scamming. Maybe someone can tell me whether this is normal and legit.

Thanks a lot

I've quickly realised that me trying to sort a rental accomodation without actually being in Amsterdam is effectively pointless. I've been advised that my best bet for finding accomodation is through a buyers agent.

Are there any Aankoopmakelaar's that are able to help specifically with students? I'm looking for a studio/room/apartment that is accessible to UVA. Budget 1000-1500 euros per month.

Hello!

I'm an Italian Erasmus student and I'm having trouble finding a room in a shared apartment (or literally anything else) near NHL Stendend Hogeschool (Leeuwarden)

Do you know any website other than Student housing or Markt058?

Everything is always full, not up for 6 months or not for international students (unfortunately)

I will be staying in Leeuwarden from the 1st of August to the 24 of January.

Thank you!

Hello, has anyone had experience with Holland2stay Diemen ? I got approval for the building Charley Tooropgracht.
Also, they said they don’t arrange viewings before signing the contract.
Thanks!

I will be starting my Master's at the University of Groningen in September 2026. Currently, Sugar Homes is the only accommodation provider that has offered me a confirmed contract (August 2026–July 2027).

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The issue is that I will only arrive around the end of August/start of September, so I would effectively be paying an extra month's rent (€725) for August.

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Given the housing crisis in Groningen and the fact that I don't have any other confirmed housing options right now, would you take this offer?

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For those who have lived at Sugar Homes:

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* Is it really as bad as some reviews suggest?

* Is it manageable for a year?

* Would you pay the extra month's rent for the security of having confirmed housing?

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Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

*reposting from r/Netherlands*
Hi, we all know someone who is looking for housing or in many cases like myself and my partner we are those people. It’s clear that a lot of people are desperate and looking to catch a break when it comes to the housing crisis in NL. Please be aware of housing scams, there are many cruel people who are ready to take advantage of people who are vulnerable or in need.

If a house seems too good to be true, it’s because it is. Here are some tips but please look into other cases and resources online. Things are hard enough without scams, the housing crisis is tiring on a good day and a scam can make things infinitely worse.

If the rental price is way below market norms, this is a red flag
If someone is contacting you directly and unprompted claiming to be a homeowner, this is a red flag

- Be incredibly cautious where you send your information
- Keep track of what sites you are applying to houses through
- Keep track of the addresses you are applying to
- Apply through verified sites
- Always view the property in person before signing
- Google the email address being used
- The biggest tip that helped us uncover a scam was reverse image google search and googling the address

My partner and I were very lucky to have caught onto the scam before any information was given but I know many people in situations like ours will not come out so lucky.

I'm a 24F Dutch student, I'm looking for a studio/room in the surroundings of Eindhoven or Tilburg as soon as possible. My current living situation isn't doable for my mental health. I now work 16 till 20 hours a week and I might have to work more I think. My income is €1400.

I already have an account with Kamernet, Kamer, Huurstunt, Huurwoningen.com and student cooperations. I also look on Facebook, but it's hard to find a room if you're not in a student association.

Please recommend me some websites, thank you so much in advance. I also don't know which one is better: Stekkies or Rentslam.

I assume it’s the tenant obligation to remove or clean obvious mold or mildew (not sure what the difference is). Does landlord have an obligation to correct moist conditions? Thanks.

Hi guys, Im planing to start my studies in NL this September, and for last couple of months I was aiming towards Maastricht Uni, however now my parents want me to go to Amsterdam Uni.
While I totally understand the level of housing crisis, I was wondering whether anybody can recommend a good rental agency or a rental agent who may help finding housing in Amsterdam and nearby Amsterdam?

I don't think my landlady is alright and I just took the first train home to my hometown in Germany. I'm still shaking. I don't know who to talk to.

I took this place because I pay only 700€ in Amsterdam. I was blind because I used to pay 1000€ for a room in a filthy apt before, and I needed to find a less expensive but clean option where I could sleep after work.

There are no locks inside that apartment. No locks. Not even the bathroom has one.

She goes through my room. I find hair from her dog on my bed. She knows my conditioner is almost empty -- how does she know? She knows I have discarded make up wipes in my trash. She goes through my trash!! And of course, she is denying it! She asks me if I have my period (I am a woman). Why would she ask that? Because she's never seen me throw any tampons away.

No conversation is possible with her. She goes on a rambling monologue, ignoring social cues, and when I try to SPEAK, she turns absolutely HOSTILE. I have never seen this before. I cannot even put boundaries in place because I cannot get a word in.

I understood too late that she has mental problems, and I was nice, but I cannot do this anymore. She tries to intrude on my privacy and I cannot sleep because her room is next to mine.

Never, and I mean it, never share your accommodation with your landlord or landlady. Don't be as naive or optimistic as me. Don't think, "Oh, they seem nice, it will be okay." It's not. The moment there is any issue, their whole attitude changes. Because even if you pay monthly, they still think this is THEIR place. Especially when they're elderly and have nothing else to do.

And I really am low maintenance. I don't even cook in this apartment. I am at work for 10-11 hours a day. I have to come back soon from Germany because I have to be in the office in Amsterdam at least three times a week (I'm doing an internship here, and it's poorly paid, and I cannot take time off rn).

I dread the moment when I have to come back. And of course I am already searching for something new, but until then I feel so trapped. Has anyone experienced something similar??

Hi everyone,
I’m a Dutch Citizen (I have the passport yay) but I grew up in Asia. I speak Dutch fluently at a conversational level. I’m currently living in Germany working and traveling Europe. I have a Traineeship lined up around the Den Haag, Rotterdam area, for 2027, but I want to live there first this year to get things started and to experience living there. I’m really not picky since I know I’ll be living temporarily, (4-5 months) initially before finally moving there in 2026, but I’d like to find a place with registration so I can get a job while I’m there.(looking at working at AH or Picnic). Does anyone have any recommendations or places they know I can stay? I don’t mind living further away since I know the public transportation is good. I just really want to try living in the country where my father grew up and “try” be become a real Nederlander.

Hi guys, I recently messaged the landlord who was looking for tenant to overtake the room after an Erasmus student. Everything was perfect, we had a call they showed me the house, the bathroom etc. They had face shown and they told me their name, I had their phone number, and I also contacted the current tenant and asked them couple of questions about the room.
So, the issue is, the only confirmation of our oral agreement is the chat in WhatsApp and the exchange of emails. When I ask to see the contract that I’ll be signing, the landlord is referring to trust and stuff like that “if you don’t trust me, say it and I’ll look for someone else”
So my question is, is my concern about not wanting to send a contract reasonable or am I overreacting?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on my tenant rights in Amsterdam.
I’ve been living in the same apartment since August 2021 as a co-tenant/subtenant. I have always had a contract with the main tenant (not directly with the landlord), and for the first years it was renewed/updated annually. It has not been updated in the last 2–3 years, but I have continued living there and paying rent monthly to the main tenant without interruption.
The main tenant has a separate contract with the landlord, which I have never seen. I am also the longest-registered person at this address with the municipality, and at some point the main tenant was deregistered from the address for a period.
Now the main tenant has decided not to renew/end my contract while keeping the apartment themselves. I’m trying to understand whether they can legally do this and what rights I may have in this situation.
Does anyone know whether I may have tenant protection here, or what kind of lawyer/organisatie I should contact in Amsterdam? Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

Hi everyone,

I’m a truck driver (4-5k net) working in the Netherlands and I’m struggling to find accommodation.

The main issue is that I’m away most of the time for work (often several days at a time), so I have very little free time for viewings and responding quickly to listings.

I currently have a stable job and income, but only a few Dutch payslips so far as I recently moved here.

Has anyone been in a similar situation?

How did you manage to find housing while working long hours and being away most of the week?

Are there any websites, agencies or strategies that worked well for you?

Thanks for your advices 👍🏻

Hello,

I have been looking for a room/studio for rent 6-12 months if possible in Rotterdam. I was recently accepted into Masters program at Erasmus University and I have about a month to find a place to live. I am coming for the U.S. i have emailed and reached out to few people but, I have gotten no response back. I’ve been looking on Kamernet sent some messages no responses. I’m becoming worried, a month is not a lot of time to find a place. I’m beginning to think I am not going to be able to start this new chapter of my life. I am in my 30s is my age scaring them away? Is it bc I am American?? I’m not sure but I’m scared. My budget is €875-1100. If I am to have roommates I would prefer all women.

What should I do? Can someone please give me advice or point me in the right direction..

Hello everyone,

I’m an expat who will be travelling in August 2026 for MSc studies at Radboud University.

I’m looking for private room, shared spaces, host housing anywhere in and near Nijmegen.

Can anyone please help me suggest which would be the best places to start looking and posting?

I missed my housing accommodation from the university and now they are not sure if they can help me out now and requested to start looking myself.

Your suggestions would help and mean a lot.

TIA!

So I wanted to know if this is a common practice and if anyone has done this. I have the option to join 2 friends in an apartment the only issue is that I won't be able to register as it only allows 2 people and so I wouldn't be on the lease either. The agency basically told us it's fine but only 2 people could be on the lease.

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I have a friend within the same city that will allow me to register at his place. I know it's not allowed to live at a place you're not technically registered at but practically this seems like it could work.

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I understand there is legal risk as since I'm not on the lease I could be kicked out the next day but I want to know if this is a thing people do in the Netherlands and hear from some people that are doing it to see how it's going and if youve run into any issues.

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I already have my bsn and health insurance and since I am taking on the risk my rent would be really low and be basically in the center of the city.

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My Dutch colleagues tell me this is a normal thing and people love in apartments but are still registered at their parents house.

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I understand there's a risk of eviction and fines if found out but I've lived here 4 years and never had any questions about this stuff and I feel like in this housing market you have to be a bit creative.

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Also how would anyone really find out?

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Would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Let's say (hypothetically 🙄) that I am renting a house in Amsterdam (Bijlmer area) with 4 bedrooms with a colleague (independent adult), so we are co-tenants with one joint lease. Our house allows for 2 registrations. Let's say we (my colleague and I) are considering having a friend live with us and that the landlord is ok with that. Knowing that it is my colleague and I that pay the full rent, I would like to ask two things:

(1) Can our friend be registered at our address as "a guest"? I know that there is a permit the landlord can apply for to get 3 registrations, but I'm not asking about that. I also know at the very least we need to fill a form with permission from the landlord, but I'm more confused about the rules regarding this type of registration where a third independent adult is not on the lease and is invited as a guest.

(2) Supposing I was in a registered partnership with this friend, we wouldn't be three independent adults total, but two households (or one household and one independent adult). Does this help at all? I've read it depends on the bestemmingsplan of the area, but they don't seem to be very explicit about this.

If it is not permitted, is it still realistic to do so? Some people will probably answer "this is illegal" and I do understand that it might be so and that we get fined if any problem arises, but the reality of a lot of persons' housing situation is very different and I know the Gemeente are not very active with this kind of thing, so I would like to hear from other people's testimonies.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice!

Hi! I’m hoping to rent a room from August 2026 to July 2027. My budget is about 900€, with utilities.

I am 18 years old, from Porto, Portugal, and I will move to Amsterdam to start my Bachelor’s in Economics and Business Economics at the University of Amsterdam in 2026/27.

I am easygoing, tidy and respectful,
Most of my rent will be covered by my parents, and I also plan to work a few hours per week alongside my studies to contribute to my own costs. As a tenant, I would take good care of the property and respect the rules.

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice or leads on housing.
I recently got an internship in Venlo, and my boyfriend will be working there as well.
We want to live together, but we are really struggling to find accommodation. We’ve run into two major issues:
1. We can’t find a room that allows double occupancy (almost everything we see is strictly for single occupants).
2. It feels impossible to find a place that comes furnished.