How to secure a remote rental safely in the Netherlands?

Trying to rent an apartment in the Netherlands without even being in the country? Bold move. But for students and expats, it’s often the only move.

Maybe you’re weeks away from starting uni in Amsterdam, or you’ve landed a job in Utrecht and need a place, fast. Either way, remote rental is your reality, and yeah, it can feel like a mix of online dating, paperwork, and mild panic.

But don’t worry. Renting from abroad isn’t just doable, it can actually go pretty smoothly (if you avoid the common traps). Today we cover everything you need to know to find a legit place, dodge scams, and actually enjoy the process, al while remote. Let’s get into it.

🔍 How to rent an apartment remotely in the Netherlands

Renting remotely might sound intimidating, but it’s a common move for students and internationals coming to the Netherlands. You just need to be prepared, and a little quick on the draw.

Start your search at least 2–3 months before your move-in date. Apartments (especially furnished ones) tend to go fast, and competition in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam can be intense.

English-friendly platforms are your best friend. Sites like Renthunter, Funda, and Pararius are packed with listings you can actually understand. They also offer search filters for furnished places, short stays, and rental price ranges.

Speaking of price: expect to pay between €800 and €1500/month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the city and whether it’s furnished. Amsterdam? More expensive. Groningen? More chill on your wallet.

⚠️ Watch out for rental red flags

Let’s be real, if you’re looking for an apartment from abroad, there’s always the risk of running into something sketchy. Rental scams do exist, and they’re often aimed at internationals who can’t view the place in person. But don’t worry, once you know what to look out for, they’re pretty easy to spot.

If a listing looks too perfect, like a fully furnished canal-view studio in Amsterdam for €400/month, it’s probably not real. Always ask for a proper rental contract before you pay anything, and never send money to someone who refuses to do a video tour or only wants to chat via WhatsApp.

A good trick? Do a quick reverse image search of the listing photos. If the same pictures pop up in multiple countries, it’s a fake. And while we’re at it: random Facebook listings might seem tempting, but unless you know what you’re doing, it’s best to avoid them.

💡Your safest bet? Stick to verified rental platforms like Renthunter, where listings are checked and scams aren’t welcome.

✈️ Finding a place before you land

So, you’ve got your visa sorted, your job offer signed, or your university acceptance letter in hand. Congrats! That’s a huge step. But before you start packing your bags and dreaming about stroopwafels and bike lanes, there’s one thing you still need to lock in: a place to live.

Trying to secure housing from abroad can feel a bit like dating through a foggy window, you sort of know what you’re getting into, but you can’t be totally sure. That’s why short-term rentals can be a real lifesaver.

If you’re not 100% sure where you want to settle, start with something flexible. Platforms like The Social Hub or Spotahome offer fully furnished, short-stay apartments you can book for a few weeks or months. They’re move-in ready, and you don’t have to worry about bringing anything besides your suitcase and maybe your laptop.

Another smart move? Reach out to your university or employer. Many Dutch universities have special partnerships with student housing providers, which can take a lot of stress off your plate. And some companies offer temporary housing or at least relocation assistance for new hires, especially in cities like Eindhoven, Amsterdam, or The Hague where tech and international companies are booming.

Still feeling overwhelmed by all the listings, paperwork, and Dutch housing lingo? That’s where Renthunter comes in. We help match students and expats with verified rentals that fit your needs and budget, even if you’re currently still chilling on another continent.

Whether you’re planning to stay short-term or settle in for a few years, finding a place before you arrive is totally possible. You just need the right tools, a bit of strategy, and maybe a little help from someone who knows the market.

🌐 Trusted websites for remote rentals

There are a ton of sites out there, but not all are created equal. Here are a few that are actually worth your time:

• 🏠 Renthunter – Focused on students and expats. Listings are verified, and they speak English (hallelujah).
• 🧭 Pararius – Great for long-term rentals, especially in bigger cities.
• 🛏️ Funda – Mostly used by locals but still has gems if you’re willing to dig.
• 🧳 Spotahome – Good for shorter stays, and you can book online with video tours.
• 🛋️ Kamernet – Best for shared housing or rooms, especially in student cities.

Avoid any site that feels sketchy, missing contact info, bad translations, or no way to verify the landlord? Swipe left.

🗂️ What documents do you need to rent online?

Before you get too attached to that bright little studio with a balcony, make sure you’ve got your documents lined up. Dutch landlords love paperwork, probably more than you love stroopwafels.

Typically, you’ll need:

• A copy of your passport or ID
• Proof of income (like a salary slip or job offer)
• Bank statements from the last 3 months
• Proof of enrollment if you’re a student
• A landlord reference (optional, but nice to have)

💡Some landlords might ask for your BSN (Dutch registration number), but you can’t get that until you’ve registered your address. Just explain your situation, they’ve heard it before.

🖊️ How to sign a rental contract remotely

So, you’ve found the one. Now what?

Most landlords or agencies will send you a digital contract by email. You can sign it using platforms like DocuSign or SignRequest, which are legally recognized in the Netherlands.

Before you sign, double-check everything: rent amount, deposit terms, move-in date, cancellation notice, and whether utilities are included.

And if the contract’s in Dutch and you’re not sure what you’re agreeing to, ask for an English version, or send it to someone who can help you translate (like, you know, Renthunter 😉).

🔎 How to verify a listing from another country

Seeing pictures online is one thing. Knowing the place is real? That’s another.

Ask for a live video tour, ideally with the landlord or agent showing you around on a call. Look up the address on Google Maps to make sure the building matches the listing. And if it’s an agency, look them up on Trustpilot or Google to see what others have said.

You can also hop into expat forums like DutchReview or relevant Facebook groups to ask if anyone’s had experience with the landlord or platform.

Still unsure? Send the listing to Renthunter. We’ll help you figure out if it’s legit, or if you’re being catfished by a fake apartment.

📌 In summary

Yes, you can rent remotely in the Netherlands, and do it without falling into a scam trap or overpaying for a glorified shoebox.

The key is to start early, stick with trusted platforms like Renthunter, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re looking for a student studio, a shared flat, or your own place with a canal view (if you’re lucky), you don’t have to do it alone.

👉 Ready to find your next home? Browse verified listings on Renthunter and take the stress out of your move.

And hey, if you’re stuck, unsure, or just want a second opinion, we’re here for you. Think of us as your rental wingman, minus the awkward small talk.