Renting in Rotterdam as an expat is doable. But the market is tight, the rules are Dutch and landlords want certainty. This guide covers what you need before you start, where to look, what it costs and what to check in the contract.
We are a Rotterdam estate agent and help expats and relocating companies find a home every year. This is what we tell them.
What you need before you start searching
Good homes go fast. Have your documents ready before you reply to your first listing.
- Passport or ID for everyone who moves in.
- Employment contract or an employer’s statement, plus recent payslips if you have them.
- Proof of income. Many landlords ask for a gross monthly income of three to four times the rent.
- A short introduction. Who moves in, from when, for how long, and who pays the rent.
You do not need a BSN to sign a lease. You get your BSN when you register at the municipality, and for that you need an address. So the lease usually comes first.
Regulated rent or free sector
Since July 2024 the Dutch rules for mid-range rents are stricter. Homes up to a certain quality score, based on a points system, have a maximum rent. Above that score, rent is agreed freely. That is the free sector, and it is where most expats end up.
Does the rent seem high for what you get? Ask about the points score. If the home falls under the regulated system, the landlord cannot simply ask what they want.
Where to look
- Pararius: the main platform for free-sector rentals, with English listings.
- Funda: mostly homes for sale, but registered agents also list rentals here.
- Estate agents: many homes are let before they ever reach a platform.
- Your employer and network: colleagues who are leaving are a good source.
Reply fast and complete. A landlord with ten replies picks the tenant who is clear, prepared and easy to say yes to.
What renting in Rotterdam costs
Expect roughly €1,300 to €1,900 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in a popular area. Family homes in areas like Kralingen or Hillegersberg cost more. On top of rent you pay energy, water, internet and municipal taxes, unless the rent includes them. Ask for the breakdown before you sign.
What to check in the contract
- Indefinite or temporary. Since July 2024 most new leases are indefinite. A temporary contract is only allowed in specific cases. Check which one you get and why.
- Deposit. For new leases the deposit can be at most two months’ basic rent.
- Service costs. These should be listed separately, with what they cover.
- Agency fees. If an agent works for the landlord, they cannot charge you a fee as well.
- Registration. Make sure you are allowed to register at the address. You need that for your BSN.
Not sure about a clause? Ask before you sign. Changing a contract afterwards is a lot harder.
Neighbourhoods expats like
- Centrum and Cool: city life, apartments, everything within walking distance.
- Kralingen: green, close to the Kralingse Plas and Erasmus University.
- Hillegersberg and Schiebroek: quiet, residential, popular with families. Close to the Bergse Plassen.
- Blijdorp: near the zoo and Rotterdam Centraal, with a village feel.
When a rental agent makes sense
Searching yourself works, but it takes time. A rental agent makes sense when you start on a fixed date, when you search from abroad, or when your employer pays for the move.
With our rental search support we search for you, also among homes that are not online. We attend viewings if you cannot, check the contract and are there at the key handover. The fee is one month’s rent excluding VAT, and you only pay when you sign a lease. No upfront costs. Read more about our rental search support.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent in Rotterdam without a BSN?
Yes. You can sign a lease before you have a BSN. You get your BSN when you register at the address with the municipality.
How much income do I need to rent in Rotterdam?
Many landlords ask for a gross monthly income of three to four times the rent. An employer’s statement or a guarantee from your company can help.
How high can the deposit be?
For new leases, at most two months’ basic rent.
How long does it take to find a rental home in Rotterdam?
It depends on your budget and wishes. Start at least one to two months before your move. With a fixed start date, a rental agent saves you a lot of time.
