Student housing in the Netherlands for international students

Start your search early

The Netherlands is facing a major housing shortage, including student accommodation. Therefore, finding student housing in the Netherlands can be tricky due to high demand. 

We recommend starting your housing search at least four months in advance and using helpful resources to improve your chances of finding a place that suits you—many students succeed this way. If you haven’t secured housing one month before your studies begin, consider postponing your travel.

Starting early and using the right resources will increase your chances of finding suitable housing, so you can begin your time at Inholland feeling prepared and confident.

Expand your search radius

Housing in big Dutch cities is extremely popular. To improve your chances of finding suitable accommodation, consider expanding your search radius beyond the immediate vicinity of Inholland or your preferred neighbourhood. By exploring areas slightly farther away, you may find more affordable options or less competition for housing. Remember, the Netherlands is relatively small, and excellent public transport options make it easy to access different areas, even if they're slightly further away.

Tip: Use Google Maps to explore nearby villages, cities and transport options. 

Use multiple housing platforms

Finding student housing in the Netherlands can be quite competitive. To improve your chances of finding housing on time, we recommend signing up for multiple trusted housing platforms. Here's why: 

•  You'll have more options: each platform offers different listings, so you'll have access to a broader spectrum of housing possibilities.
• Compare prices more effectively: by accessing listings across multiple platforms, you can better understand the market rates, ensuring you make an informed decision about your rent.

Ready to start your search?
Below, we've compiled a list of housing platforms commonly used by students in the Netherlands. These platforms offer various accommodation options, from studios to shared apartments, making your search process smoother and faster. Please note that some platforms charge a registration fee and/or subscription costs.

Be prepared for viewings

Have you found a room or apartment you're interested in? It's a good idea to arrange a visit in person, and bringing someone along for support can be helpful. Before you go, prepare some questions for the landlord or current tenants. This way, you'll get all the information you need to make the right choice.

1. Does this address allow you to register at the Municipality? This is mandatory for legal residence in the Netherlands.
2. How long is the lease?  Knowing the lease term helps you plan your stay and budget accordingly. 
3. When speaking to current tenants, ask: is the landlord reliable? A landlord's reputation can provide insight into their responsiveness, maintenance practices, and overall attitude towards tenants, giving you a better sense of your potential rental experience.
4. Do you have a private entrance? A private entrance offers convenience for deliveries and guests and may reduce noise and potential security concerns.
   
5. Is there heating, a kitchen, a sink, a toilet? It is crucial to confirm the availability of basic living necessities.
6. What fire safety measures are in place?  Understanding the fire safety provisions ensures your safety and the building's adherence to legal standards.
7. What's included in the rent and are there additional costs?  Additional costs, such as Gas, water, electricity, internet, TV, taxes, insurance, and service charges are often not included. 
8. Are there additional rules?  Knowing this can help avoid surprises later. Additional rules might cover things like noise restrictions, pet policies, guest limitations, or common area usage.

Remember: Always read the contract thoroughly and ask questions if anything is unclear!

Be aware of scams

Be wary of scams aimed at students seeking accommodation. Discover how to identify scams and secure safe housing with our tips below.

How to protect yourself?

Use multiple agencies or platforms to access more listings and compare prices, helping you understand the market and make informed choices.

If you are renting directly from a private landlord:

• • •  Make sure you can register at the rental address as this is required. If registration is not possible, be alarmed. Some students still choose this option due to the housing shortage, but it is not advised.
    • Verify the property owner via Kadaster (national register); only the legal owner may rent out the property, and illegal subletting can cause problems for you as a tenant.

Take your time deciding; pressure from a landlord can be a red flag.

During the viewing, check the condition of the room (insulation, mold, water damage, pests) and shared facilities (heating, kitchen, bathroom).

Read your rental agreement carefully before signing and pay attention to the following:

• • • Can you register
    • The deposit amount and return conditions
    • Utilities included? Fixed or advance payments? Extra fees?
    • Maintenance responsibilities: yours vs. the landlord’s.
    • Rules & restrictions: noise policy, guest limitations etc.
    • Rental period and notice terms.
    • If you are not sure, ask free legal advice from the Juridisch Loket (legal desk).

At the time of the move-in, make a detailed digital inspection report with photos of the current condition of the property (inventory, meter readings, damages etc.) to compare with the condition at move-out. If the landlord or agency doesn’t provide one, make it yourself using a free app, for example: My Inspections app. Always file a police report if you become a victim of rental fraud, this helps prevent others from being targeted.

Don't fall for it: if an offer looks too good to be true, it usually is...

Don’t rely on promises or photos alone, always request an in‑person or video viewing.

Don’t trust landlords or agencies that can only be reached via a mobile number or a generic email. Ask for more information, request identification, and look them up online.

Don’t pay key money (‘sleutelgeld’) or any fee just to view or reserve a property, this is a common scam.

Don’t pay in cash.

Don’t pay anything until both you and the landlord have signed the rental contract.

Don’t pay agency or brokerage fees unless you hired the agency to find housing for you; agencies cannot legally charge both parties. They may charge a small administrative or registration fee.

Do you have questions about your rental agreement? Check out the Dutch government website

Need support?

There are several organisations and resources that can help you with questions or problems you may have regarding your search for accommodation in the Netherlands:

• Study in NL: A comprehensive guide with useful information on finding accommodation in the Netherlands
• LSVB: This Dutch student association has a large network and can help you with your housing search in the Netherlands as well as other student-related questions.
• ASVA: this is the association of students in Amsterdam. Like the LSVB, they have a large network and can help you in your search for accommodation, specifically in Amsterdam.
• !WOON: a tenant support organisation funded by the Amsterdam municipality. They offer free information and advice at walk in locations across the city, and run a specialised “Meldpunt” (complaints desk) for serious cases such as intimidation.
• Juridisch Loket: this organisation can give free information and advice regarding legal questions.
• Jip Haaglanden: this support agency provides information, advice and support regarding life in the Netherlands to international students in The Hague and Delft.
• Tenants Rights in the Netherlands: for understanding your rights as a tenant.
• Huurcommissie: an impartial and independent body, helps tenants and landlords resolve dispute