10 surprising facts about renting in Amsterdam

Before becoming a rental agent, as a proud, slightly arrogant, born-and-raised Amsterdammer, I thought I knew the real estate rental market in Amsterdam. Turns out, I had no idea. So, here are the facts that surprised me the most: Tenant Edition!

You can only submit one rental proposal at a time

When you submit a proposal (application) for an apartment, it is binding once accepted! By submitting only one at a time, you avoid the potential danger of being responsible for renting more than one apartment!

The renting process can be fast

It can go very fast! Way faster than buying and selling a house. You can view an apartment this week and move into it the next week!

Your client profile matters more than you think

I found that most landlords have an emotional connection to the listing. Often, they have lived there themselves at some point in their lives, and they really care about who will live there next!

Being a good tenant will help you in the long run

Try to be a good tenant! It can not only help you get your contract extended but also get your deposit back. I can write a book on this subject, so take it from me and follow these tips to save yourself a lot of trouble: 

• Get a mattress topper (if you have a furnished house).
• Buy placemats at Ikea and place these under and around your garbage bins.
• The only safe way to remove those so-called rental-safe self-adhesive stickers is to apply heat! Never pull them from the wall, as they can cause large holes in the plaster.
• Ventilate after showering or bathing to prevent mould growth.

These are just a couple of pointers, but there are many more!

Sometimes it does not pay to negotiate

There is often a minimal rental period during which a tenant cannot give notice. Once a proposal is accepted, it is binding.

Because you need to respond so quickly, given the fast-paced market, tenants sometimes try to negotiate terms after accepting the proposal (for instance, the removal of certain furnishings). A landlord does not need to comply with this, so it’s good to submit a comprehensive proposal.

However, if you know more people will submit a proposal, it might be worth living with that big, scary bedframe that the landlord apparently loves so much. Figuring out when to negotiate and when not can be tricky. However, this is easily navigated by calling in a professional for help, hint hint.

Get help from a professional

Viewings in person are preferred

A landlord will prefer in-person viewings over virtual ones, as this can avoid any potential future hurdles.

Knowledge of Amsterdam is a plus

Knowing Amsterdam and the different areas is a great plus! It will greatly benefit you to visit the city and look around to see the different areas and properties before you start submitting rental proposals. This will ensure that you end up living in a neighbourhood that fits your household.

Not all landlords love pets

Pets. I love them, but unfortunately, not all landlords do! However, having a tiny high-maintenance chihuahua called Chanel or a big-hearted Berner called Bruno does not mean that there is no home for you out there. It simply means your search will be slightly more challenging!

The vibe is real

There is often a feeling, a vibe, something intangible, when a tenant (often without knowing it at the time) first sets foot in their new house. Something just clicks, and for some reason, it’s a match.

It can pay off to enlist the help of a professional agent

The rental housing market in Amsterdam is not impossible, so do not let others scare you. Of course, it might be less of a challenge when you enlist the help of a professional. Often, real estate agents can share properties with you that have not been put online yet, giving you an edge over other renters. 

Make sure you guard yourself with knowledge, and the knowledgeable, and you’ll find your perfect spot!