Frequently Asked Questions

• In the Netherlands, ‘service costs’ refers to expenses specifically related to the property that are not included in the base rent. As a tenant you are responsible for covering these costs, which include general upkeep and cleaning of halls, staircases, elevators, post-boxes, etc.  

• Your rent will almost always be exclusive of utilities, meaning that you'll have to arrange your own electricity, and water contracts. For some properties, this also includes gas. Extra charges will depend on the property, and we will specify this in our offer.  In some cases, utilities can already be arranged for the whole building, meaning you won't have to arrange this yourself.  

• In the Netherlands you may select your own gas and electricity provider, which means you can choose based on your preferences for costs, sustainability, contractual commitments, and so on. Some of the largest energy providers include: 

1. Essent 
2. Vattenfall
3. Vandebron 
4. Eneco 

• Unlike energy, water is administered by region, and you’re not required to choose your own provider. The country is divided into ten water districts, and which one you live in determines which company will provide you with water. There are two elements of your water bill. The first is a consumption charge based on actual water usage. The second is a municipal tax for water services, which helps to maintain the water clean and to protect against floods. Use the Vewin tool to see which provider operates in your area.  

• As a registered resident, you are also responsible for paying the waste collection charge. This pays for the municipality to collect, dispose of, and process your garbage. The method of payment for this tax varies by municipality and is calculated based on the size of your household.  

• A shell apartment is a property right after the stage of construction. It has basic fixtures such as windows and doors but still needs lighting fixtures, furniture, flooring, or plumbing. 

• An upholstered apartment always has some type of flooring (carpeting, laminate, parquet), permanent light fixtures and window coverings. The kitchen is often equipped with a fridge and oven.  There is no furniture present, meaning you are able to design the space to your liking!  

• A semi-unfurnished apartment often includes some basic furniture like kitchen cabinets and wardrobes. In some cases, other furnishings like a sofa, bed and table might also be provided by the landlord.  

• Furnished apartments are turnkey properties where you only need to bring your personal belongings. The apartment is fully furnished and equipped with all necessary items such as kitchenware and bed linen.  

We try to find an ideal match for all our clients, but sometimes -- just sometimes -- the perfect home is simply unavailable. We operate on a no cure no pay basis, so if you don't find a property through us, you will of course not be required to pay the €950 agency fee.  

It's important for us to know if your company is going to pay for your rent, services, utilities etc. because this has influence on the whole rental procedure, and we may need different or additional documentation from your company. 

• Yes, you and any people moving with you must register at your new address within a few working days of settling in. There are several ways to register. This can be done online, through an expat desk or at the municipality. You should contact the local municipality where you want to register well in advance, as an appointment is usually required. By registering, you will be added to the Personal Records Database (BRP) and considered an official resident of the municipality, liable to pay any local taxes. Failure to register at the correct address may result in a fine.  

• Registering is also a must in order to get a so-called BSN number (personal public service number), which you will need for a variety of administrative purposes in the Netherlands, including opening a bank account, receiving a pay check, seeing a doctor, and obtaining health insurance.  

• Moving to the Netherlands with your pet is absolutely possible. Please keep in mind, however, that not all homeowners' welcome potential candidates with pets.  Most homeowners are willing to consider allowing a pet if you offer a higher deposit (for example, an extra month) and/or include a pet clause in the contract. With a pet clause, you are responsible for any damage your pet causes to the apartment and its furnishings. 

• If you are relocating with a pet (with your furry friend), please do let us know when you apply to the portal so we can keep this in mind when selecting properties for you. 

• There are three most common rental agreements, for a short-term, indefinite and fixed term. The type of contract depends on the property and is outlined in the offer.  

1. Short-term rentals are furnished properties that are rented out for temporary stays.  This usually means that the accommodation is rented for a maximum of six months, and it could be as little as one week at a time. This is an attractive solution to anyone who enjoys the comfort and convenience of home while abroad for short term assignments or as a first landing place. Unlike other types of rentals, short term housing is paid using a nighty rate. This rate is all inclusive, meaning utilities and service costs are taken care of. Looking for short term housing in the Netherlands? Check out our sister brand, Corporate Housing Factory.  

2. The most common type of contract is an indefinite rental agreement, where there is no fixed end date to your tenancy. A tenant with an indefinite tenancy agreement has rent protection and cannot be simply evicted from their home. If you want to move, you can, of course, cancel your rental agreement, duly respecting the notice period that is specified in your contract. 

3. With a fixed rental agreement, there is a defined end date to your tenancy. Unless either landlord or tenant give written notice according to the terms specified in the lease, the agreement expires after the predetermined time period. 

• Yes, almost all the properties have an income requirement. Our rule of thumb is that your (combined) gross monthly income should be four times your monthly rent. However, this can differ per property and will be outlined in our offer.  

• When signing up for the portal, you will be asked to enter in your maximum monthly budget, the engine will calculate the necessary monthly income needed to meet this.  

• To arrive at your gross monthly income, you can add up all the sums shown on your employer's statement, including vacation pay, a possible 13th month, and other fixed bonuses and surcharges. 

Despite its small size, the Netherlands has become one of the top destinations for expats looking to work for top companies and grow their careers. It is important to note that the Dutch housing market currently has more demand than supply. We will do our best to find properties that meet your requirement, but we may also offer you some possible alternatives.  

• You create an account, complete your profile, and tell us about yourself. This allows us to learn more about you and your housing interests and needs! 

• Our experienced team then goes on the hunt for your ideal match.  

• We send you a few possible properties via our portal. You then let us know which ones you wish to see, and we will plan a viewing together. 

• You view the property together with one of our associates, this is the time to make sure that this is the kind of space you want to live in. 

• Found something you like? Let us know and upload all the necessary documents. 

• We work with you to create a strong offer and inform to the landlord of your interest. If he accepts, we assist you with the required paperwork and ensure that you are prepared for the big move! 

• The 30% reimbursement ruling -also known as the 30% facility- is a tax advantage for highly skilled migrants moving to the Netherlands for a specific employment role. When the necessary conditions are met, the employer can grant a tax-free allowance equivalent to 30% of the gross salary subject to Dutch payroll tax. Read more here about how it works and how it could benefit you (when renting a house for example): https://www.government.nl/topics/income-tax/shortening-30-percent-ruling.