Step 1: How to find a home

How to use this guide

This guide is packed with tips and overviews on all things housing-related in Eindhoven and has been built by and for Design Academy Eindhoven students, staff, and alumni.

Finding housing can be complicated and the process can be long. This guide aims to make sense of this problem, helping prospective students find their feet (and the school) while they take their first steps towards living here.

What is normal when searching for a home?

Unfortunately, there is no normal. Some people will find a home when they first apply, and for others it will takes months to find a place.

There are some relevant and unchanging factors in house hunting that are important to address when thinking about what is normal, and this guide aims to touch on all of these. Be sure to check out the FAQ page too, where common challenges faced by students are addressed.

Around the entire topic of housing, it is important to keep in mind that all rentals fall under Dutch rental laws that are particularly strong in favour of tenants and you are protected by the state and there are independent organisations like Huurteam Eindhoven who can advise and support you in disputes. For a comprehensive overview of rental protections and how to manage disputes, see this government website

Importantly in this regard, be aware that there is both a professional and a casual housing market. The first being housing agencies and landlords, and the second being individuals with a spare room in their home and tenants who are looking for someone to fill their room as they move out. Given the Dutch government’s oversight, professional companies are recommended for DAE students as they are more regulated, predictable, and reliable.

Your Search Will Mostly Be Online

The search for housing in Eindhoven is necessarily done remotely. The Dutch housing rental system is based online however it is also recommended that students prepare for phone calls to follow up on applications. From experience, it is found that most housing agencies do no facilitate walk-ins or visits, preferring to have applications received by mail.

Defining What You Need And Want

During the beginning of your search, consider what your needs and wants are. Be aware that your priorities can directly affect the number of houses that are available for you to rent. In the situation that you do not find somewhere that fulfils your needs; you may unfortunately have to reconsider your ability to complete your studies. If you are in this situation, we recommend reaching out to your head of department or the relevant BA/MA administrator.

Tenant Rights And Disputes - Know Your Rights

Being a renter in the Netherlands you are very well protected in legal terms. Some housing laws in the private sector have been loosened in recent years, but the landlord is still always responsible for:

• Ensuring availability of the property within the agreed rental period
• Covering any necessary major repairs and maintenance (within a reasonable period)
• Solving any problems affecting the tenant (plumbing, electricity, internet, etc.)
• Giving valid reasons and due notice for ending the tenancy agreement

The tenant must in return:

• Pay the agreed monthly rent on time
• Follow the agreed-upon house rules
• Pay for minor repairs (such as a broken tap)
• Allow the landlord to enter the accommodation to make repairs (within a reasonable period)
• Give due notice to end the tenancy agreement

You should receive a list of general terms and conditions with your contract from the landlord that explains the responsibilities of both parties. You can find an example of such T&Cs online through websites such as ROZ.nl.

Huurteam Eindhoven

There are a range of supports for tenants, particularly if you think your rights are not being respected. This includes, but is not limited to, if repairs not being made in a timely manner, your rent is being increased unfairly, or if you find yourself in a dispute with your landlord.

You can contact the [Huurteam Eindhoven] directly in these instances for free legal advice. The Huurteam was established by Gemeente Eindhoven to protect tenant rights and can enforce action from landlords and mediate during disputes when required.

Have you questions or queries regarding this guide? Or is there something more you think should be included?

You can always reach out with your housing related questions and issue to Ned Kaar (the Design Academy Eindhoven Housing Officer) at housing@designacademy.nl. Ned is on hand to help with advice and guidance for all prospective and enrolled students and looks forward to hearing from you.