7 Tips for short term rent in the Netherlands

The right approach makes short term rental possible for everyone!

If you want to find a short term rental property in the Netherlands as a student or expat, you’ll quickly realize it’s not always that easy.

It’s a crowded country, which means there’s a lot of “competition.”

The good news is that we’re here to help! With some useful tips (such as using a handy short term apartment rental agency & platform), you can outsmart everybody else and find your dream short term rental property relatively quickly!

📖 What does a short term rental in the Netherlands mean?

Short term rental simply means renting a property for a specific period.

As a student or employee, it’s common to need a rental for a shorter duration in a specific area. We often see demand for:

• Short term rental Amsterdam
• Short term rental Rotterdam
• Short term rental Utrecht
• Short term rental The Hague

Typically, these contracts have a predetermined end date. This is the type of contract that people increasingly choose when they need flexibility (so, even if you’re not sure how long you’ll need the short term rental).

🔎 7 Tips for finding a short term rental quickly

Since finding a place for a temporary stay is easier said than done, we’d like to help you in your search.

With our considerable experience, we thought it was time to share this knowledge with you in an organized manner, in the form of 7 essential tips:

🏢 Tip #1: Pick the right rental platforms

Short term apartment rentals are mostly listed on several well-known rental platforms in the Netherlands, especially in large cities. These include:

• Pararius
• Rentola
• Huurportaal
• Cacciatore di affitti

These platforms specifically feature temporary rental properties in the Netherlands.

The good thing is that you can register (usually for free) and receive notifications when new properties, like a short-term rent in Amsterdam, are available. This gives you the chance to respond quickly, often as one of the first people.

🔔 An extra handy tip: Turn on your notifications!

🔍 Tip #2: Search specifically for temporary rental lease

Another tip is to specifically search for a temporary lease contract. In other words, make your search criteria more focused. You can do this by using filters that look for short-term rentals, such as:

• 3-month rental
• 6-month rental
• 1-year rental
• 2-year rental

This way, you won’t waste time on apartments and studios that ultimately aren’t feasible or suitable for you.

📑 Tip #3: Secure your work permit or study admission first

One of the most important tips we share with our visitors is to ensure you have your work permit and/or study admission sorted out. There’s an important reason for this: landlords see documents as proof, which provides them with a sense of security.

Do you for example have a work contract? Then the average landlord will be very happy to see that. The same goes for proof of admission for your studies

Make sure you can provide these documents as soon as possible, so you can act quickly if a great opportunity comes up!

📍Tip #4: Choose a desired location

Now it’s time to focus on the location. Do you already have an idea of where you’d like to live?

In the Netherlands, there are several large cities that are particularly popular among expats and students, such as:

• Amsterdam
• Rotterdam
• Utrecht
• L'Aia
• Groninga
• Eindhoven

Within these large cities, there are different areas to consider. For example, do you want a short term rent in Amsterdam’s busy city center? Or are you looking for a temporary rental in a suburb of Utrecht?

To make your life a little bit easier, we’ve already compiled a list of the most popular areas for expats and/or students in major Dutch cities!

Short term rental in Amsterdam

• De Pijp: Many international residents, cozy cafes, and markets.
• Jordaan: Known for its picturesque canals, art galleries, and a free, young neighborhood.
• Amsterdam-Zuid: A modern neighborhood with good amenities (ideal for expats and young professionals).
• Oud-West: A trendy neighborhood with many restaurants, shops, and multicultural influences.
• Amsterdam-Oost: A creative vibe with a good mix of expats and students.

Short term rental in Rotterdam

• Kralingen: A green, quiet area with many students and expats.
• Katendrecht: A trendy harbor area, popular among young professionals.
• Hillegersberg: A quieter, more “high-class” area, perfect for expats.
• Delfshaven: A historic area with growing popularity among young people.

Short term rental in Utrecht

• Lombok: A lively area with many students and expats.
• Utrecht-Centrum: Centrally located, with good accessibility and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Oog in Al: Known for more affordable housing and a lively student vibe.
• Wittevrouwen: A charming neighborhood with a strong sense of community.

Short term rental in The Hague

• Archipelbuurt: A calm and green neighborhood with a mix of expats and students, close to the city center.
• Benoordenhout: A prestigious neighborhood with grand houses and an international community.
• Scheveningen: A neighborhood by the beach with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Statenkwartier: A more central area with a lively vibe.

📍Where do you see yourself living when it comes to a short term rental in the Netherlands?

🏡 Tip #5: Hire a short term apartment rental agency

If you’re struggling to find something on your own or simply don’t want to deal with it, you always have the option to hire a real estate agency for a temporary rental property!

They have a lot of experience finding suitable rental properties. Plus, they have their own network, so they can often get priority for certain properties that are very well suited for you specifically. Some popular real estate agencies in the Netherlands include:

• HouseHunting
• Midden Nederland Makelaars

This way, you’ll quickly find a great apartment!

And, of course, always check the specific terms and conditions, such as:

• Extra costs
• Tenant rights
• Lease conditions (e.g., utilities, rent insurance, and deposit)
• Convenienza
• Hidden fees

⚠️ It all needs to fit within your budget. Unfortunately, scams are common on social media. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

🤝 Tip #6: Use networks in your favor

Now it’s already high time for tip number 6!

This one goes as follows; make optimal use of all available networks to quickly find a short term rental in the Netherlands. We’re talking about involving people like:

• Friends
• Family
• Colleagues
• Student associations
• Acquaintances
• Social media followers

Think about everyone you know (maybe even from years ago) who could help you in this search.

✍️ Tip #7: Write a highly compelling motivation letter

The last tip, and definitely not the least important, is to write a compelling motivational letter. If there’s anything that’s going to help you stand out, this is it.

Write the ultimate, catchy motivational letter. Highlight the emotional aspects of your story in the most organic way possible. What you want is for the landlord to see you as the perfect match. It should feel as though they’re doing you a favor by choosing you. This motivation letter should show that you and the apartment you’re interested in are the ultimate match.

🏁 Conclusion

Finding short term rentals cheap is a skill when it comes to a short term rental in the Netherlands. It’s difficult but not impossible. In fact, when you know what you’re doing, the right doors will open for you quickly.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you find a temporary place to stay:

• STEP 1: Sort out your study admission or work permit.
• STEP 2: Choose the cities or neighborhoods where you want to rent.
• STEP 3: Register on rental platforms.
• STEP 4: Utilize available networks.
• STEP 5: Hire a real estate agency.
• STEP 6: Write the ultimate motivation letter.

With this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do to turn your search into a success story!