Housing FAQ

Step 1: How to Find a Home

• I’m coming next week for a few days to Eindhoven, do you have any suggestion about things that I should do to make the process easier (like walk-in to agencies) when I am there?

Step 2: Registration, Sub-Letting and Not Registering

• I will be participating in the exchange program with you this spring. I have a question regarding registration. I have received an offer to rent an apartment that cannot provide registration. As I will only be staying for one semester, is it possible for me not to register, or is this a requirement? If it is a requirement, is there any solution that would allow me to register while still being able to live in the apartment I have been offered?

Registration in the Netherlands is the means by which the Dutch government manages and monitors social services. Without a BSN, it is not possible to access basic services and it is strongly recommended that you look to find somewhere you can register when you arrive. 

It is also worth noting that there are means in place for whoever is subletting you a room to deregister temporarily to allow you to register during your time in Eindhoven. This can be arranged through a Briefadres (Postal Address). Tenants should ask their landlord to arrange for subletting within the context of an exchange semester.

With all of this said, it is common that students live without registration due to limitations in housing supply. In these cases, most live without access to basic services such as health, work or public travel subscriptions. If you have an intention of staying in the Netherlands there can be fines administered by the Government when you eventually do register, however if you are not staying then these are usually not applied.

There is a temporary registration process for those who are going to be residents in the Netherlands for less than 4 months - the RNI. This system is typically for labourers who travel to the Netherlands for work, however I have heard of a select few students who have managed to register on this as they reported they were staying less than 4 months. In this case, you will have a BSN and be able to access basic services.

Step 3: Scams

Step 4: Rooms, Studios, Apartmments

• The listing states that I need x3.5 the monthly rent – what does this mean?

Typically, this means that the landlord would like to rent this to a working tenant (and not a student). While sometimes this is possible for students (either with or without a guarantor) it is recommended to check directly with the landlord or agent for a definitive answer.

• I am thinking of teaming up with a friend to find somewhere to live, is this a good strategy?

Absolutely. It is recommended to search with a maximum of 2 people as this keeps the most housing available to you under the umbrella housing plan. Check out more information in Step 2 regarding registration and permits.

Step 5: Location, Location, Location

Step 6: Navigating the Housing Market

• Can I hire a rental agent to search a home for me?

Unfortunately this is not typically available for students and although agencies do offer such services it seems they are reserved for homes that are >€1500/month. From experience, students who have searched out such assistance in the past have struggled to find an agency who will take them on as a client.

• I am being asked to pay agency fees – is this legal?

Agency fees are only legal when the agent is actively searching for you and not when they are working for a landlord. Most often, this is not the case, and DAE Housing has seen some organisations trying to charge students illegally (sometimes also asking them to pay the landlord an added fee). Find out more about the legality of these mediation fees and learn about how to have them reimbursed this link to WOON.nl.

Step 7: Applications, Follow Ups and Viewings

• Can someone view an apartment for me?

Typically this is allowed by agencies, but it is a good idea to check this in advance. Unfortunately, attending viewings on behalf of students is beyond the scope of service DAE Housing can offer. It is recommended that students search out a contact or fellow student to attend a viewing for them through social media channels such as Design Academy Student Affairs.

• I have sent so many e-mails but have received no response – what am I doing wrong?

If you have send many e-mails but received no response something might be wrong with how you are applying. Perhaps try changing the mail that you send introducing your interest. Another good idea is to call the agency or agencies you are applying to and ask them if there is a problem in your applications. You might also consider adjusting your application if you are receiving many automated responses or rejections and could try to call an agency to ask them for advice on making a good application.  

Step 8: Life in Eindhoven

• In the new housing unit, they say I have to organise my own gas and electricity. That was not communicated to me beforehand. How can I organise this matter?

In any self contained home like this it is common that GasWaterElectricity need to be managed by you. You may also need to arrange your municipal waste card. 

To arrange gas and electricity you need to call a company who serve these commodities. You can use a comparison website like this to compare plans from different service providers - Compare energy providers Netherlands + Find the best deal. Once you have a company that you like the offer from, you should call them directly - most will be fluent in English and be able to explain the delivery of these services to you.

• How can I terminate my lease?

Read this article from Het Juridisch Loket for more information on how to terminate your rental contract.