I amsterdam - Housing

Types of Housing

The range, style and type of accommodation available in the Netherlands is likely to be quite different from those available ‘at home’.  Living space may be comparatively smaller than what you are used to, and Amsterdammers have become experts in organising their space efficiently. There are several options for those moving to Amsterdam and various agencies that can help you in your search.

Housing Services

The Dienst Wonen(Amsterdam City Housing Department) provides housing-related services to the general public, co-ordinates urban regeneration and formulates Amsterdam housing policy. It can be contacted for more information about housing, new property, regulations, etc in the city. The Department has provided a downloadable brochure with general information about housing in Amsterdam (including info about housing permits, housing associations, WoningNet, etc.)

You can visit the Housing Information Desk for information tailored to your own needs, for the Safety Net Scheme for drastically reduced incomes (Vangnetregeling), the Housing Expenses Fund (Woonlastenfonds) and the Rent Allowance Information Point (Informatiepunt Huursubsidie), as well as for all your general questions about housing in Amsterdam. If you are interested in buying or renting a newly built dwelling in Amsterdam, the Housing Information Centre can also provide information on new-build housing projects.

Amsterdam Housing Information Desk 
The Housing Information Desk is located in De Zuiderkerk, which also holds regular exhibitions on housing, urban regeneration and spatial development:
Address: Zuiderkerkhof 72, 1011 WB Amsterdam 
Tel: +31 (0) 20 680 6806
Fax: +31 (0) 20 552 7811
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-16.00
Website: www.wonen.amsterdam.nl | www.nieuwbouw.amsterdam.nl 
Email:wooninformatie@wonen.amsterdam.nl
The Zuiderkerk can be reached by metros 53 and 54 and sneltram 51 (Nieuwmarkt station), by trams 4, 16, 24 and 25 (Dam stop) and by trams 9 and 14 (Dam or Waterlooplein stop).

Main Office of the Amsterdam City Housing Department
Jodenbreestraat 25, PO Box 1900, 1000 BX Amsterdam
Tel: +31 (0) 20 552 7511

Documentation Center, to order or consult publications
Tel: +31 (0) 20 552 7152/50 Fax: +31 (0) 20 552 7199

Amsterdams Steunpunt Wonen 
This support centre offers support for those seeking rooms in Amsterdam. They provide key information about legitimate housing and contracts, courses, support in submitting complaints, and provide good basic information in English on their website.

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 32, 1012 RZ Amsterdam 
Tel: +31 (0)20-5230130
Fax: +31 (0) 20 638 2976
Opening times: Mon-Thur 10.00-17.00, Thur also 19.00-21.00, Fri 10.00-13.00
Information Hours: Mon-Wed 10.00-12.30, Thur 19.00-21.00
Website: www.steunpuntwonen.nl
Email: info@steunpuntwonen.nl

Huurteam
Technically speaking, Amsterdam does have a legal maximum rent for all houses and rooms, but calculating, as well as enforcing this maximum depends on what kind of housing you have - and this is mainly decided by a point system. Huurteams can help you to calculate what your rent should be, as well as advise you on the legalities of your contract. They can also advise you on whether or not a landlord is carrying out necessary repairs. There are huurteams in almost every local council (`stadsdeel´) within the city of Amsterdam, as well as a special phone number for the other areas. The huurteams can visit all houses, but you can also call to make an appointment.

Options

Types of Housing 
Apartments and terrace (row) houses provide the majority of housing, with relatively small numbers of semi-detached (2 onder 1 kap) and detached (vrijstaand) housing. You should also be aware that the standard fixtures that are included when you rent, may be different from what you’re used to ‘at home’. For example, renters here usually take all flooring material (carpet, vinyl, parket) with them when they leave, so you as the new tenant, may need to find and buy your own. Fully-furnished (gemeubileerd) apartments come with all home furnishings (including drapes, furniture, and carpets) while semi-furnished (gestoffeerd) provide the bare necessities (kitchen appliances, light fixtures and floors). Prices vary depending on the area and district, and not all rental prices include utilities.

Subsidised Housing
Subsidised self-contained flats or houses can be rented in Amsterdam for under €585.24. However, you will need to pass a stringent application procedure to obtain residence permission from the Dienst Wonen. Bear in mind that waiting lists for subsidised accommodation are considerable and usually involve several years (see the above mentioned brochure about housing in Amsterdam).

Expat Rental Agencies
Much of the subsidised housing available in Amsterdam may not be available or suitable for expats. Many expats need to find housing quickly and can’t wait for their application to come to the top of the waiting list (which can take a number of years). There are rental agencies that specialise in assisting expats to find suitable rental accommodation within their price range. Please be aware that there are rules and regulations that these agencies must follow. Further, the type of housing you are renting carries with it different rights that should be correctly placed on your contract. For more information about these standard rights and rules, please contact your local huurteam. Look under Makelaars in the Yellow Pages (Gouden Gids) to find rental agencies.

Bed & Breakfasts 
Look under Pensions in the Yellow Pages, though keep in mind that this is not always a cheap option.

Youth Hostels
There are numerous youth hostels available in Amsterdam. Look under Hotels in the Yellow Pages to find relevant addresses.

Rooms to Rent / Let 
This option may be slightly more affordable to some than renting out a whole flat on their own. Rooms to rent are usually in someone else’s house and you will most often have to share a kitchen, toilet and/or bathroom. However, beware of untrustworthy landlords. Never pay anything before you have reached a clear agreement and ask for a receipt which states how much you have paid and what the payment covers. One common source for finding rooms and sublets through other expats is www.elynx.nl, a network website for expats in the Netherlands that posts various accommodation offers on their 'Notices' board. As with all arrangements, of course, be aware of the legalities before you enter a contract. The huurteam can offer you more information on what is and is not allowed in this situation.

Supplemental Information

ACCESS is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1986 to bridge the gap between the international community and English-speaking services available in The Netherlands. They supply free information from an extensive database, offer publications, courses, events, a professional counselling referral service and run a free helpline. They also provide several fact sheets covering subjects such as these.
Tel: +31 (0)20 423 3217 
Website: www.access-nl.org