🏡 Rentbird vs renthunter: which rental app really works in the netherlands?

Looking for a place to live in the Netherlands can feel like trying to win the lottery, except the prize is a tiny studio with a shared bathroom and the odds are even worse. Whether you’re a student, an expat, or just someone who’s already developed a mild F5-refresh addiction on Funda (and other platforms), you’ve probably stumbled across Rentbird and RentHunter.

Both promise to make your rental search easier, but which one actually helps you get the keys? And which one ends up as just another subscription you forget about and regret?

Let’s dive into both platforms and help you decide which one deserves your hard-earned euros.

🤔 Is rentbird legit?

The short answer is: yes, Rentbird is definitely legit.

The long answer: it’s not a silver bullet, but for many renters it’s been extremely helpful.

Rentbird operates as a rental search automation tool. Instead of manually visiting 20 different housing websites every day (Funda, Pararius, Kamernet, Facebook groups, and about a dozen others you’ve never heard of), Rentbird does the heavy lifting for you. It scans over 1,400 websites daily, looking for listings that match your criteria. You get alerts straight to your app or inbox, sometimes even before others have seen them.

Rentbird has received fairly solid reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, where it holds an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating, with more than 1,600 reviews. (Rentbird reviews)

Some users report finding apartments in less than two weeks, which is basically warp-speed in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam, where hundreds of people apply for the same studio.

That said, Rentbird won’t do the impossible for you:

• It can’t guarantee you’ll get selected.
• It doesn’t negotiate with landlords for you.
• It won’t do your paperwork.

It helps you be first, but you still have to act fast, have your documents ready, and maybe perfect your “I’m a responsible tenant” email.

🌍 Why renthunter has been growing fast (especially among expats)

While Rentbird is quite well known, RentHunter has quietly become one of the fastest growing rental tools in the Netherlands, particularly for expats, international students, and people who are brand new to the Dutch rental system.

Why is that? Simply put: RentHunter was built for people who don’t know all the sneaky tricks of the Dutch rental market.

Here’s what RentHunter does really well:

• ✅ Real-time instant alerts, the moment new listings appear, you get notified.
• ✅ Scam protection built-in, their team filters fake or suspicious listings before you even see them.
• ✅ Expat-focused features, including filters for furnished housing, English-language contracts, shorter-term leases, and other common expat needs.
• ✅ Friendly support, RentHunter knows that many internationals don’t speak Dutch (yet), so their platform, support team, and search results are designed to be fully accessible.

💡Especially for internationals who might be nervous about fake listings or shady landlords asking for “cash deposits,” RentHunter offers peace of mind that many other platforms simply don’t.

👉 Check out RentHunter directly here: RentHunter.nl

💸 Rentbird pricing vs renthunter pricing: let’s talk money

Let’s be real, subscription services add up. So which one costs less?

Rentbird pricing:

• 1 month: €29
• 2 months: €19.50/month
• 3 months: €16.33/month

RentHunter pricing:

• Starts from around €14.99/month, depending on the plan and duration.

Which is cheaper?

If you’re only looking for one month, the difference isn’t huge. But for longer searches, RentHunter tends to be the more budget-friendly option, and that savings can come in handy when you’re also dealing with security deposits, agency fees, and IKEA trips.

Both offer serious value if you consider how much time they save. After all, manually searching all the rental platforms daily is basically a part-time job.

🔐 Rentbird hacks vs renthunter hacks: how to maximize your chances

Whether you go with Rentbird or RentHunter, there are ways to seriously increase your odds.

Here’s a cheat sheet of how to squeeze the most out of both platforms:

✅ RentHunter’s scam filter really stands out here.

Scammers are everywhere in the Dutch rental market. It’s not uncommon to see “landlords” asking for a few hundred euros upfront before you’ve even viewed the place. RentHunter helps screen out this nonsense before you even waste your time.

🚪 Rentbird login problems

Like with any tech tool, some Rentbird users occasionally face login problems:

• Double-check your email address (typos happen more than you think).
• Reset your password via the “Forgot password?” link.
• Clear your browser cookies & cache.
• If all else fails, contact Rentbird’s support team via email or WhatsApp.

Luckily, most issues are minor and resolved quickly. But if technical issues persist, switching to RentHunter can be an easy plan B, since their platform has a very simple, expat-friendly onboarding system.

🔄 Alternatives to rentbird and renthunter

Of course, these aren’t your only options. If you want to explore the full playing field, here are some alternatives:

🟢 Stekkies

• Scans around 1,000 websites.
• Lower pricing than both Rentbird and RentHunter.
• Good for locals with some rental market experience.
• Limited expat support.

🟢 DIY rental bots

• Custom bots can be built for Telegram or Discord.
• Great if you’re tech-savvy.
• Zero scam filtering.
• You need coding skills (or a geeky friend).

🟢 Old school manual search

• Funda, Pararius, Kamernet, Facebook groups, Marktplaats.
• Exhausting, but still works for some.
• You’ll need fast fingers, patience, and a touch of luck.
• Easy to fall for scams if you’re not careful.

🆚 Rentbird vs Renthunter: full head-to-head comparison

🛠️ Rentbird not working in 2025?

If Rentbird isn’t working for you right now (app crashing, not receiving alerts, or listings not updating), here’s your plan of attack:

1. Update the app or check for browser updates.
2. Clear your browser cache & cookies.
3. Try a different device.
4. Reach out to Rentbird’s support team.

If the issues continue, this is where RentHunter shines as a quick alternative. You can set up your profile, filters, and alerts on RentHunter within minutes, without needing any technical know-how.

🧠 Final thoughts: which rental app actually helps you land that apartment?

Here’s the no-BS version:

• ✅ Rentbird is great if you’re a Dutch student, local renter, or someone who knows the housing market fairly well. It casts a wide net across tons of platforms but offers little protection against scams or fake listings.
• ✅ RentHunter is ideal if you’re new to the Netherlands, don’t speak Dutch fluently, or simply want more peace of mind while apartment hunting. The scam filtering, expat support, and instant alerts give it a serious edge for international renters.

💡At the end of the day: both work. But if you’re moving to the Netherlands from abroad, or just want a smoother, less stressful experience, most renters agree that RentHunter feels like a safer bet.

👉 Explore RentHunter here

🚀 Bonus student & expat tips for surviving the dutch rental market

Since you’re probably still deep in your rental search, here are a few survival tips to boost your odds even further:

• ✅ Always have your documents ready: ID, proof of income, enrollment proof (for students), and references.
• ✅ Respond within minutes, not hours.
• ✅ Never send money without an official signed rental contract.
• ✅ Beware of anyone asking for a “viewing fee” or “reservation deposit”, these are almost always scams.
• ✅ Be open to surrounding cities and suburbs, living 15 minutes outside Amsterdam can open up far more (and cheaper) options.