Everything you need to know about Dutch rental agencies

As you may already know, it’s rough out there. Finding a place to live in the Netherlands isn’t for the faint-hearted. The combination of a sky-high demand, shady landlords, and fees that make your wallet cry, makes it easy to get overwhelmed. Thus, it is super important to know where to start and use a trustworthy agency that can help you further. Whether you’re a student, an expat, or just looking for a new home in the Netherlands, we’ve got your back. Below you’ll find our top 10 rental agencies based on important criteria. Go check it out!

🏡 Finding the best rental agency for your needs

Not all rental agencies are created equal. Some specialize in expats, others in short-term rentals, and some just want to take your money and run. So, how do you find the right one for you?

• Expats looking for long-term housing: Agencies like Expat Rentals Amsterdam and Perfect Housing offer fully furnished homes.
• Short-term stays: Platforms like HousingAnywhere help with temporary housing.
• Buying and renting options: If you’re unsure whether to rent or buy, agencies like Elandsgracht Makelaars can help with both.
• Nationwide agencies: Companies like Rotsvast and Interhouse operate across multiple Dutch cities.

💡Pro tip: Always check reviews and verify an agency’s registration before signing anything! ✅

🔝 Top 10 Dutch rental agencies (For students & expats)

Here are the top 10 rental agencies (or agency platforms) to check out. Some are great for quick deals, others for luxury, and some are somewhere in between. We’ve ranked the most relevant ones, so that you know where to browse.

1. Pararius (Agency platform)

Pros: It’s the biggest rental platform in the Netherlands with loads of options, no hidden costs, and you can easily filter out what doesn’t suit you.

Cons: No direct mediation, so you’ll have to contact landlords yourself. Some listings can be old or already rented.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★★★

💰 Value for Money: ★★★★★

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★★★

2. Interhouse

Pros: Specializes in expat rentals with nationwide coverage, and offers super clear contracts.

Cons: Rent prices tend to be a bit higher, and they’re not always flexible with terms.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★★☆

💰 Value for Money: ★★★☆☆

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

3. Rotsvast

Pros: Covers the whole country, offers both rentals and letting services, and is a well-known player.

Cons: The mediation fees can be pretty steep, and the customer service… let’s just say it could use a little TLC.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★★☆

💰 Value for Money: ★★★☆☆

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆

4. EHR (Executive Home Rentals)

Pros: Perfect for expats and business folks, offers high-quality homes, and full-service assistance.

Cons: Definitely not for students or budget renters—prices are on the higher end.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★★☆

💰 Value for Money: ★★★☆☆

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆

5. Expat Rentals Amsterdam

Pros: Focused on expats, with English-speaking services and tons of luxury, furnished options.

Cons: Rent tends to be higher than other agencies, and it’s mostly aimed at people looking for premium homes.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★★☆

💰 Value for Money: ★★★☆☆

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆

6. HousingAnywhere (Agency platform)

Pros: Super popular with expats and students, clear pricing, and an easy-to-use global platform.

Cons: Too many middlemen and service fees that might make your wallet cry.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★☆☆

💰 Value for Money: ★★★★☆

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★★★

7. Direct Wonen

Pros: Fast rental platform, good for both short and long-term options, and the website is pretty easy to navigate.

Cons: Sometimes not the most reliable—watch out for ghost listings. You’ll need to act fast, or someone else might snag the place.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★☆☆

💰 Value for Money: ★★★☆☆

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

8. 123Wonen

Pros: Active in many cities and offers both short and long-term rental options. Some listings come furnished, which is a bonus!

Cons: Rent can sometimes be a bit on the high side, and not all offices have the best customer service.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★☆☆

💰 Value for Money: ★★★☆☆

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

9. The rental agency Amsterdam

Pros: Focused on Amsterdam with solid service for expats and a good relationship with reliable landlords.

Cons: The rental prices are on the steeper side, and there’s not much availability outside of Amsterdam.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★☆☆

💰 Value for Money: ★★★☆☆

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

10. VB&T Verhuurmakelaars

Pros: Strong in North Brabant and South Holland, with both new and existing homes, and reasonable contract terms.

Cons: Less well-known, not always quick to respond, and their offering in the Randstad isn’t too impressive.

⭐ Reliability: ★★★☆☆

💰 Value for Money: ★★★☆☆

🌍 Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆

🏢 Top real estate agencies in the Netherlands

If you’re looking for a broader range of services beyond renting, these well-known real estate rental agencies operate in multiple Dutch cities:

• Rotsvast – A reputable agency with branches all over the country.
• Interhouse – Offers high-quality rentals in multiple cities.
• Pararius – Not an agency but a crucial listing platform to browse available apartments.
• Direct Wonen – Good for both short-term and long-term rentals.
• RE/MAX – Perfect if you’re considering buying instead of renting.

🔎 How to find a trustworthy rental agency in Rotterdam

Rotterdam’s rental market is slightly less chaotic than Amsterdam’s, but you still need to be cautious. Here’s how to find a legit rental agency Rotterdam style:

• Check online reviews – Websites like Google and Trustpilot will give you insight into an agency’s reputation.
• Verify certifications – Trustworthy agencies are registered with NVM, VBO, or Pararius.
• Avoid upfront payments – Never pay rent or deposits before signing a contract.
• Meet in person – Always visit the agency and the apartment before making any payments.

💰 What do rental agencies charge in the Netherlands?

Dutch rental agencies don’t come cheap, but knowing the standard fees can save you from overpaying:

• Agency fees – Usually one month’s rent + 21% VAT.
• Security deposit – Typically one to two months’ rent.
• Contract/admin fees – Some agencies sneak in extra fees for paperwork (watch out for this!).

💡If an agency is charging significantly more, it’s definitely a red flag. 🚩

⚖️ Are rental agency fees legal in Amsterdam?

Here’s the deal: In Amsterdam, if a landlord hires an agency to list a property, the tenant should not be charged any agency fees. This is a rule to protect tenants from unfair costs, ensuring that the responsibility for paying the agency lies with the landlord. However, some agencies may try to bend the rules and charge tenants fees anyway, often disguised as “administration costs” or other charges.

If you feel you’ve been unfairly charged, don’t hesitate to take action. Check with Het Juridisch Loket (the Dutch legal advice office) or the Huurcommissie (rental tribunal) to dispute the fees. Both organizations can provide guidance on your rights as a tenant and help you understand whether the fees are legitimate. It’s crucial to stay informed, as this can save you from paying unjustified costs and protect you from dishonest agencies.

📉 Average rental agency commission in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, rental agencies typically charge a commission of one month’s rent, plus 21% VAT. This fee covers the agency’s services, including assisting with property searches, arranging viewings, and handling administrative tasks like drafting the rental contract. The commission is usually paid by the tenant, though this can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the agency’s policies.

The commission is designed to cover the agency’s time and effort spent in finding you a suitable property and helping you through the rental process. It’s important to note that some agencies might include additional charges for specific services, such as property inspections or contract administration. However, these are not standard and should always be clarified upfront.

In large cities like Amsterdam, rental prices can be high, and agency commissions might seem steep, but it’s a necessary cost to consider when navigating the competitive rental market. Make sure to understand what is included in the agency fee before agreeing to any services.

🏁 Final thoughts

Finding the right rental agency in the Netherlands doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending puzzle. By doing your homework and knowing where to look, you can avoid the pitfalls of shady landlords and hidden fees, ensuring a smooth transition into your new home. From top-rated agencies like Pararius and Interhouse to specialized platforms like HousingAnywhere, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re an expat, student, or looking for a short-term stay.

But here’s a pro tip: While these agencies are great options, don’t forget to check out Renthunter. It’s a super handy platform that not only compiles listings from various agencies, but are also ready to help you in your journey of finding Dutch housing, so that you can find the perfect place without the hassle.