Securing a property in the Dutch rental market is not an easy task, and submitting an offer for a property does not necessarily guarantee that you will get the apartment. Recent research by Pararius.nl, one of the largest rental platforms in the Netherlands, and Verhuurwoningen.nl shows that an average property in Amsterdam receives 450 viewing applications (Source: Parool). However, viewings typically accommodate only 10-20 people, which means that the realtor is forced to make a strict selection. If you’ve managed to secure a viewing, congratulations – you’re one step closer to securing a property! But how do you actually secure it if you intend to rent the property after the viewing? How does bidding for rentals in the Netherlands work?
Making an offer
Bidding for rentals in the Netherlands means that you are required to submit an official offer through the realtor. This offer must include your contact details, employment information, your proposed rental price, and any special conditions or requests (which may differ from the standard rental terms in the Netherlands). For example, you might request a diplomatic clause, professional cleaning, or specific modifications like painting a wall.
Why is this so important? Unlike in many other countries, an offer in the Netherlands becomes legally binding once it is accepted. This means that even before the lease is signed, you are bound to the contract. Since indefinite contracts are typically the only type of lease landlords may offer, due to the Indefinite Rental Contracts law, once your offer is accepted, you have committed to a rental agreement for at least 12 months.
This also means that there is little room for negotiation after submitting your offer. It is crucial that your initial offer includes all your conditions and requests. If you receive a counteroffer because some conditions were not accepted, you are only bound to the contract once you approve the counteroffer.
Required documents for bidding for rentals in the Netherlands
The documents required may vary depending on the realtor and their specific requirements, but typically you will need to provide the following:
- Passport or EU ID card
- Employment contract
Additional documents that may be requested include:
- Extract of BRP (Uittreksel BRP) – proof of registration in the municipality
- Employer’s declaration
- Recommendation from your current or former landlord
- Copy of your bank card (the same one on which your salary is deposited)
- Three recent payslips
- Screenshot of your bank statement showing your salary deposit
How to increase your chances
In major cities, particularly in Amsterdam, it is increasingly common for applicants to overbid the initial asking rent in order to increase their chances. However, overbidding does not necessarily improve your chances, as not every landlord is interested in accepting a higher rent. Landlords often value reliable tenants more than higher offers.
In the Netherlands, rental prices are determined by a point system, where a property must meet a certain number of points to justify a particular rent, regulated by the government. While a landlord may want to accept a higher offer, they may not be able to if the amount exceeds the legal maximum rent for that property.
Nevertheless, some landlords are open to overbidding. Our advice is to always check with the realtor beforehand to see if it might be necessary and whether the landlord would be receptive to overbidding. Keep in mind that you only have one chance to submit your initial offer. Realtors are too busy to keep you updated on other offers, so if you intend to overbid, make sure your initial offer includes the higher rent amount.
What really helps is providing a tenant introduction. Writing a compelling tenant introduction is a simple (and free) way to make yourself stand out to an agent and the landlord. Keep it personal, yet professional, positive, and concise. Limit your introduction to a maximum of two pages and save it as a PDF. To make a strong impression, consider including a few nice photos of yourself or your family. You might also include a link to your LinkedIn profile to add credibility.
Interested in relocation services?
If you are interested in our relocation services in the Netherlands or need assistance with securing a home, please visit our website for more information. Feel free to contact us at info.nl@anywr-group.com, and we will respond within one business day!
