Renting a house or apartment

Most internationals moving to The Hague region begin by renting an apartment or house. There are various types of rental properties available, ranging from fully furnished short-stay apartments, where you need to bring little more than your toothbrush, to longer-term, unfurnished rentals. Renting offers a solid foundation for settling in and exploring the neighbourhoods. It’s an ideal first step into Dutch housing. While some people eventually buy a property, there are also plenty of long-term renters.

The Social Sector
In the Netherlands, rental properties are commonly separated into three sectors: the social sector, mid-segment and private sector.

Properties with a monthly rent that’s below a certain amount (€ 900.07 for leases starting in 2025, subject to change on a yearly basis) qualify as ‘social sector’ housing. They are generally owned by non-profit housing corporations or cooperatives. Tenants can only have a maximum income of € 49,669 (2025, single person household) per year to qualify for social housing. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of social housing in the Netherlands, and waiting lists can be up to 10 years in some regions, making these unavailable to most internationals. 

Mid-segment housing
Regulated mid-segment housing is implemented to ensure that homes are allocated to middle-income earners. To qualify for mid-segment housing, tenants may earn no more than € 67,366 per year (2025, single person household). In 2025, the basic rent for a mid-segment property lies between €900.07 per month and €1,184.82 per month.

Privately Rented Housing
Also known as the ‘free market’, private rentals have a rent of at least €1,184.82 per month (as of 2025). The private sector is not controlled by local or national government. As a result, private rental fees are on the higher side, particularly when compared to property size.

Affordable housing permit 
The municipality of The Hague requires an ‘affordable housing permit’ ('huisvestingsvergunning') for social housing and mid-segment rental properties. The municipality uses the affordable housing permit to make sure that these homes are only rented out to people who earn a low or middle income. Check here to see if you need an affordable housing permit and whether you are eligible based on your income. Note that many agencies will not actually hand over the keys to a rented property until you can prove you have applied for the permit.

Rent Benefit 
Lower-income earners may be eligible for rent benefit (‘huurtoeslag’). The rent benefit reimburses part of your rental costs. To qualify, both the tenant and the property must meet certain conditions. For instance, the property must be 'standalone,' meaning it has its own kitchen, bathroom, front door, and address. The monthly rent may be no more than € 900.07 (in 2025, if at least 23 years of age). Eligibility is determined based on your household income. Find out more about the rent benefit via the Dutch tax authority ('Belastingdienst').

The Cost of Renting a Home
In the Netherlands, it is customary to pay a deposit (borg). For contracts concluded from 1 July 2023 onwards, the deposit may not exceed two months' bare rent ('kale huur'). For contracts concluded earlier, the maximum deposit is three months' bare rent. 

You may also choose to pay for items left by the previous tenant, such as household appliances, laminate flooring, or furniture that you agree to take over.

Be aware that additional fees like 'key charges' are illegal. Some rental agencies might request an administration fee, but this should be a small amount. If you feel you're being asked to pay too much (for example, a fee equivalent to one month's rent), contact the Fair Rent Team at your local municipality.

Perhaps also good to know, in 2023 the Good Landlordship Act (‘Wet goed verhuurderschap’) came into force. This law aims to prevent landlord abuses, such as excessively high deposits and unreasonable service charges.

Furnishings and Appliances
Basic rent, excluding utilities like water and electricity, is referred to as ‘kale huur’. Many homes are rented out unfurnished, so if you prefer a fully set-up home, look for furnished options. Some housing websites allow you to filter your search for this. Interestingly, many older Dutch houses feature built-in cupboards or at least one wardrobe in a bedroom. Be sure to check your contract to see which appliances are included in your lease. You might also have the option to purchase these from the previous tenants.

Believe it or not, the Dutch have a habit of taking their floors (as well as curtains and lightbulbs!) with them when they move. Previous renters might offer to leave their wooden flooring in the house for a fee. If you decline, they may take the flooring with them. Since replacing flooring can be costly, it's wise to factor this into your overall budget.

How to Find a Rental Property
Begin your home search as early as possible. The Randstad Metropolitan Area is experiencing a shortage of available housing, especially affecting students, young people, and middle-income earners. Keep the following tips in mind when searching for rental houses:

•    It may be easier to first secure a short-stay option, allowing you to register with the municipality and start looking for more permanent housing. 
•    Consider seeking the assistance of a real estate or relocation agent. They usually charge a commission of about one month’s rent if you find a property through them. 
•    Funda and Pararius are the largest housing search engines of rental and purchase housing. When you find a property you like, contact the real-estate agent to arrange a viewing. Important to note, as the housing market moves quickly, housing websites may not always be up to date. By the time you see a listing online, the property might already be taken. To avoid this, consider working with a real estate agent.

Things to Consider When Renting
Before you sign a tenancy agreement, make sure you check all details. Dutch rental contracts may differ from those in your home country. Pay attention to the conditions and ask for an independent opinion if in doubt. In 2023 the Good Landlordship Act came into force. This law sets out the rules by which landlords need to abide. You can check the brochure (available in various languages) for more information.  

Housing Scams 
Scammers unfortunately target house-hunters who are unfamiliar with the Dutch property market. Never pay a deposit from overseas or until you’ve physically viewed the property.

Pets
There are no set rental rules when it comes to having pets; this varies by housing contract. While landlords will not generally come to check your living space, there could be repercussions if they find pets on your property without permission.

Extra Flexibility
Insist on a ‘diplomatic clause’ (a break clause) in your rental contract. This addition allows you to break the contract if you have to return to your home country or a new destination.

For more information on housing, read up on short-stay accommodation, and learn about getting a mortgage and buying a home in the Netherlands. To help choose a location, you can also explore local neighbourhoods and other cities in the surrounding region.