Ah, Haarlem… the little sibling of Amsterdam that’s secretly cooler, quieter, and honestly, just as beautiful (if not more). Between its medieval buildings, cozy cafes, canals, beaches nearby, and that cozy Dutch vibe, Haarlem has become a magnet for students, expats, and anyone tired of battling the Amsterdam rental jungle.
But let’s not sugarcoat it, finding an apartment for rent in Haarlem isn’t easy. The housing market is tight, prices keep creeping up, and competition is fierce. But that’s exactly why you’re here: we will break it down for you, step-by-step.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how to find Haarlem apartments for rent, where to search, how much it’ll cost, and what traps to avoid. Let’s go.
🔎 How to find apartments in Haarlem
The first question everyone asks: where do I even start?
The good news: Haarlem has plenty of options if you know where to look.
The bad news: if you wait too long, apartments for rent Haarlem disappear before you can hit “send.”
Here’s your roadmap:
1️⃣ Start online
Most people begin their search on rental websites. Here are your best bets:
| Platform | Why it’s good | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pararius | Big platform, lots of options | Students, locals |
| Funda | Full property listings | Professionals, families |
| Kamernet | Student rooms, shared apartments | Students |
| RentHunter | Real-time alerts, scam protection, made for expats | Expats, internationals |
If you’re not Dutch (yet), tools like RentHunter are lifesavers. Their real-time alerts and scam protection filter out a lot of headaches that most expats deal with.
2️⃣ Facebook groups & community platforms
You’d be surprised how many Haarlem apartments for rent pop up in Facebook groups before they ever hit the main rental sites. Try:
- Haarlem Housing (FB group)
- Expats in Haarlem
- Haarlem Apartment Renters
⚠️ But: Be careful of scams. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
3️⃣ Use rental agents
Local makelaars (rental agents) often know of listings before they go online. The downside? Some may charge hefty agency fees. Always check their terms.
🌍 Renting in Haarlem as an expat
Expats love Haarlem for a reason: it’s international enough to feel at home, yet still very Dutch.
But renting as an expat in Haarlem comes with extra challenges:
Required documents 📄
- Copy of passport or ID
- Proof of income (employment contract, salary slips, or bank statements)
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- References (sometimes optional)
- Enrollment proof (for students)
Typical challenges for expats
- No Dutch credit history: landlords may ask for extra proof.
- No permanent contract: some landlords prefer people with indefinite contracts.
- Language: most agents speak English, but not all contracts are fully translated.
- Upfront payments: some rentals may require 2-3 months’ rent upfront.
This is exactly why many internationals prefer using platforms like **RentHunter,** everything’s tailored to expat needs, including listings in English, furnished options, and scam protection.
🏠 Apartments for rent Haarlem: furnished vs unfurnished
Quick heads-up: in the Netherlands, “unfurnished” often means:
- No flooring
- No curtains
- No light fixtures
- No appliances (sometimes even no stove)
Basically: an empty concrete box.
That’s why Haarlem apartments for rent furnished are very popular with expats. They cost more, but you move right in without worrying about buying a bed, washer, or flooring.
| Type | Average rent (1-bedroom) |
|---|---|
| Fully furnished | €1,500 – €2,000 |
| Unfurnished | €1,200 – €1,600 |
| Shared room | €600 – €900 |
💸 How much does it cost to live in haarlem?
Let’s break it down realistically for 2025:
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent apartment Haarlem Netherlands (1-bedroom) | €1,300 – €1,800 |
| Utilities (gas, water, electricity, internet) | €150 – €250 |
| Groceries | €250 – €400 |
| Public transportation (train + bus) | €100 – €150 |
| Health insurance | ~ €125 |
| Extras (restaurants, gym, entertainment) | €200 – €400 |
✅ Haarlem is cheaper than Amsterdam but still pricey compared to smaller Dutch cities. Budget around €1,800 – €2,500/month for comfortable living.
🏙️ Where to rent apartment in Haarlem (neighborhood guide)
Here’s a quick guide to Haarlem’s top neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | Why live there | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Centrum | Historic, central, lively | High (€1,600+) |
| Schalkwijk | Affordable, modern | Budget-friendly (€1,200 – €1,400) |
| Kleverpark | Quiet, family-friendly | Mid-range (€1,400 – €1,800) |
| Haarlem Noord | More space, green areas | Mid-range (€1,300 – €1,700) |
| Haarlem Zuidwest | Near dunes and beach | Mid to high |
For cheap apartments for rent in Haarlem, Schalkwijk is often your best shot.
🛑 Avoiding scams while renting
Sadly, the Dutch rental market attracts scammers, especially targeting expats.
Red flags 🚩
- Landlord won’t let you view the apartment in person.
- Requests for “reservation fees” upfront.
- Prices much lower than market average.
- Communication only via WhatsApp or odd email addresses.
This is another reason why RentHunter is highly recommended, they actively filter out shady listings before you even see them.
💡 Temporary housing haarlem netherlands
If you’re new and need short-term housing while you search:
- Airbnb Haarlem – flexible, but pricey long-term.
- Haarlem House – dedicated short-stay apartments.
- Haarlem Hotel Suites – serviced apartments.
- Student housing options (if you’re enrolled).
Temporary housing gives you breathing room before committing to long-term contracts.
📝 Apartment rental guide haarlem 2025: step-by-step
Let’s simplify it into one clear roadmap for renting in Haarlem:
Step 1: Start early
✔ 3-4 months before moving
✔ Set up alerts on RentHunter, Pararius, Funda, Kamernet.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
✔ Have income proof, ID, permits, and references ready.
Step 3: Budget realistically
✔ Know what you can afford after utilities, insurance, and taxes.
Step 4: Prioritize neighborhoods
✔ Centrum for lifestyle, Schalkwijk for price, Kleverpark for families.
Step 5: Schedule viewings quickly
✔ Apartments disappear fast, viewing the same day improves your odds.
Step 6: Understand the contract
✔ Watch for hidden costs, agency fees, and proper deposit terms.
Step 7: Sign, pay deposit, register at municipality
✔ After signing, register your address (gemeente Haarlem).
🆚 Renthunter: your secret weapon for finding apartments in Haarlem
Yes, you can do it all manually, refreshing Funda at 2am while panicking about competition.
Or… you can work smarter and let technology do the heavy lifting.
That’s where RentHunter makes your life easier:
| Feature | Why it’s helpful |
|---|---|
| Instant alerts | Be first to apply |
| Scam filtering | Avoid getting ripped off |
| Expat-tailored listings | English contracts, furnished options |
| Budget filters | Stay in your price range |
| Support in English | No Dutch required |
👉 Check out RentHunter here
For most expats and students, RentHunter becomes your personal housing assistant. More listings, less stress.
Quick FAQ: apartment rentals Haarlem 2025
1. Is it hard to find an apartment to rent in Haarlem?
Yes, demand is high, but using tools like RentHunter helps a lot.
2. Can I rent as a student?
Yes, but you may need parental guarantees or higher deposits.
3. Can I rent as an expat without a permanent job contract?
Yes, though some landlords prefer permanent employment. Having stable income or savings helps.
4. How long does it take to find an apartment?
Anywhere from 1 week to 3 months, depending on flexibility and budget.
5. How much deposit is normal?
Usually 1 or 2 months’ rent. More than 2 months is rare and should raise red flags.
6. Are agency fees legal?
Only if the agency works for you directly. Tenants cannot be charged double fees.
7. Can I negotiate rent?
Sometimes. Especially if you offer longer contracts or can move in quickly.
8. Can I register my address?
Yes, but always confirm the property allows official registration (important for permits, healthcare, taxes).
9. What’s better: furnished or unfurnished?
Furnished is easiest for expats. Unfurnished can save money long-term but requires upfront furniture costs.
10. Is RentHunter better for expats?
Definitely. Real-time alerts + scam filtering + English support makes it perfect for internationals.
Final tips for renting in Haarlem
- Be fast, new listings often fill within hours.
- Be flexible, consider living slightly outside the center.
- Avoid scams, never pay before signing a verified contract.
- Use tools, RentHunter massively boosts your odds.
Conclusion: yes, renting an apartment in Haarlem is possible!
Renting in Haarlem can feel intimidating, but with good prep, smart tools, and a little Dutch directness, you can absolutely find a great place.
✅ Set alerts early.
✅ Get your documents ready.
✅ Use RentHunter to stay ahead of the competition.
👉 Start your search today on RentHunter.nl
Good luck with the house hunt, and we’ll see you on the Grote Markt soon for your first Haarlem beer 🍻 (or wine)
