What documents you need to rent an apartment in the Netherlands? 

Searching for an apartment to rent is a common activity among both expats and locals in the Netherlands.

This can be a tiring process and knowing what to expect is highly recommended. After informing you well about the options you have while looking for a place to rent, it’s time for the next step - paperwork.

Paperwork is a headache for many people. This is completely understandable because collecting needed paperwork can be really stressful and timesome. Most importantly, attention must be on the maximum. You don’t want to be returned from the counter because you miss a piece of paper.

If you want to avoid stressful situations and extra work that seems to have no end, read the next paragraphs. You will get information about documents you need to rent an apartment in the Netherlands.

There are 4 documents you should never forget when you are searching a place to rent:

1.   Passport copy

It is advisable to take a copy of the information page of your passport. This is a typical identificational document you need as a guarantee for the agency or landlord. They need to possess technical information about you and proof of your identity. Passport copies are completely legal.

There are a couple ways to take a photocopy of your passport of high quality. For example you can take a photocopy on your own with a home scanner or if you don’t have one, you can always use a commercial service in photocopy centers. There are also applications for smartphones that allow you to scan your documents.

This is proof of your employment status and earnings. In order to get this document you should have a permanent contract.

Employer’s statement is a standard form, composed of questions about some basic information and incomes of the employee.

Employer’s statement must contain the following items:

• name of candidate
• address from any identification document
• date of birth
• position in the company
• employment since month/year
• payment gross
• details about payment (overtime, year-end bonus, holiday bonus, fixed 13th month etc.)
• loans (if company provided before)

Statement is valid for 3 months, that’s why it always has to be dated. Make sure it also has a signature of the person who is filling the document. Sometimes the company stamp can be required.

Basically this document shows that you are financially secured and capable of paying rent.

It is important to mention a 30% rule that is popular and widespread in the Netherlands. It is advisable that 30% of your monthly income is higher than the rent you are paying. If it’s otherwise, you should look for a more affordable piece of accommodation.

The agency and landlord are asking for payslips from potential tenants so that they can implement this rule on their payment. Chances for rejection are bigger if you aren’t filling the 30% rule, so it’s better if you compare your income and monthly rent and check it on your own before making a move.

Similar to the previous one. Bank statements show your financial state, which give the insights on agency or landlord whether you’ll be able to pay rent or not.

If you are using online banking, you should be able to simply download this document. Therefore getting bank statements can be really fast and easy. 

Every person who is renting their property wants to make sure you’ll be an exemplary tenant. One of the main obligations of the tenant is paying rent on time, so it’s understandable why this document is required.

You now for sure have needed information about required paperwork to rent an apartment in the Netherlands. You should gather and prepare it before your meeting with the agency or landlord.

By doing that you make this complicated process running smoothly and ease as it can be.

Don’t say we didn’t tell you!