Inspecting a Rental Flat in the Netherlands: Checklist

Published May 16, 2026·Updated May 26, 2026

Transcript

Read along, Dutch & English, side by side

Did you know that sixty percent of people decide within five minutes if they want an apartment?

That's quick! And yes, you often miss things that can cause trouble later.

Yeah, exactly. People only focus on the nice kitchen and not, um, damp spots or neighbor noise.

The biggest issue often is. You ask too little. You think it'll be fine, right?

Well, and sometimes there’s something really strange.

Would you take an apartment where, um, a family of raccoons is sitting in the living room?

Sounds like a joke, but we'll get back to that in a bit.

Okay, but first let’s say hello. Great that you’re listening. I’m Anita, and I love making lists for viewings. Yes, really.

And I'm Henk. Today, we’re just going to talk practically about viewing an apartment. What to do, what not to do? What to pay attention to?

Let’s start with preparation. I always say, bring your documents, even if you're just going to look.

So, pay slips, a copy of your ID, and maybe a brief introduction about yourself.

Yes, because sometimes you can respond immediately or even submit an application on the spot. They’ll do a check, you know. A verification of your income and who you are.

That’s sometimes called a background check, but it’s really just. Can they trust you, and can you pay the rent?

Exactly. And another thing, arrive on time. If the viewing is at half-past two in the afternoon, come by around a quarter past two. Then you can feel the street.

Crowds, noise, smell, that sort of thing.

I always listen for heavy traffic or if it’s next to a café that's open late. And I look at the façades. Is there mold or a lot of cracks? That says a lot about maintenance.

Inside, I immediately check the windows. Is it double-glazed? So, two layers of glass? That helps with noise and warmth. And I feel with my hand by the frames to see if there’s a draft.

I just turn on all the taps. Yes, really. Hot water, cold water, how strong is the flow? And I’ll flush the toilet. Because you don’t want surprises with, um, clogs.

Good point. And let the shower run for a bit. Then you can hear if the pipes make noise. Oh, and do you smell something musty? That could be mold. Ask, how long has that been like this? And what are they doing about it?

Speaking of questions, I always ask about service costs. Those are extra costs for things like cleaning the entrance or the elevator.

Sometimes the rent seems low, but the service costs are usually pretty high.

And don’t forget the deposit. The deposit is money you pay upfront and get back later if you live well and don’t damage anything. Ask, how much is the deposit and when will I get it back?

Oh, and can I jump in on the meter readings? If there’s a separate meter for gas, water, electricity, write that down. Take pictures too. That helps later with the bills.

Yes, definitely take photos and short videos. Even of small things. A crack, a loose tile, a stain. Then you have proof of how it was at the start.

You know, I read a story about a man who viewed five apartments and kept getting rejected. He didn’t know they wanted a lot of paperwork. That’s such a waste of your time.

Yes, I hear that often. People underestimate it. So take recent pay slips, a work statement, and your ID. Sometimes they also ask for an excerpt from the municipal registration.

And if you're a student, ask your parents if they can act as guarantors. That’s a letter saying they’ll pay if you can’t. Sounds boring, but it really helps.

Now for a funny story. Someone shared that they went to view an apartment and there really was a family of raccoons in the living room. Raccoons are those animals with a mask-like face. The landlord just said, oh, that’s temporary.

Yeah, I think that was in America. But the point is, if you feel something’s off, ask questions. Pests, vermin, damp, noise. It’s not small, you know. You’ll be living there every day.

Speaking of America, there was also a story about a $750 tip for the super. You know, the caretaker. Just to have a chance. Crazy, right?

Yes, that’s really local culture. In the Netherlands, that's, well, not normal. But the tip is good, understand the local rules and customs. Ask friends or look it up online how it works there.

And use free help, seriously. There are often rental teams or housing organizations with information. Local groups, like neighborhood Facebook, can also give tips about good landlords and pitfalls.

I also want to mention something difficult. Some people with foreign names say they get rejected more often. That’s very painful. If you experience that, kindly ask for the reason. And you can also seek help from an anti-discrimination hotline.

Yes, it’s important to say. It just shouldn't happen. And sometimes there are other things, like income or paperwork. But if the feeling’s not right, talk about it. And seek support. You’re not alone.

Another hot topic, social housing. I read a message from someone who has been on the waiting list for years and then misses out on a new complex because they didn't know it was social housing. That feels really unfair.

Yes, the system is sometimes complicated. Social housing means cheap rent through housing corporations. And you can wait a long time. Tip, register early. Keep notifications in check. And ask the municipality if there are newsletters.

Okay, back to the viewing itself. Talk to the neighbors if you can. Just, hello, how is it here with noise and parking? You’ll learn more than from a nice advertisement.

And put your phone on silent so you really listen. Do you hear the upstairs neighbors walking around? Is there an echo? Then there might be little insulation. Ask if there’s carpeting or laminate without an underlay.

Also check the outlets and where your Wi-Fi modem should go. Sounds small, but if you work from home, that’s handy. And check if your washing machine fits and where the connection is.

Oh, and the kitchen. Open all the cupboards. Are they dry or do you smell something foul? Look at the drain under the sink. I always bring a small light. Just a little flashlight to check dark corners.

Smart. I usually ask, what stays? Fridge, curtains, lamps. Sometimes an apartment is empty and you have to buy everything yourself. That’s more expensive than you think.

And ask about the energy label. If the label is low, you often pay more for heat. If you don’t understand it, just let the landlord explain it to you, step by step.

Then the contract. Read it carefully. Ask about the notice period, so how much time you need to give if you want to leave.

And how the annual increase works. Is it fixed or a percentage like 2 or 3.5 percent?

Sometimes it also states: No pets or no music after 10 PM. If that doesn’t fit with you, say so immediately. Better to be honest now than to have a fight later.

What I often see as a mistake. People don’t dare to ask questions because the realtor is busy. But you’re the one who will live there, so you can ask anything. Just stay polite, of course.

Another tip. Bring someone along. A friend often sees different things. You look at the balcony and the elevator. And that friend spots that crooked door or that strange stain in the corner.

And write down your feelings right after the viewing. Your memory is short. Seriously. If you see three houses in a day, you’ll mix them up.

Yes, make a simple list. Light, good or mediocre. Noise, quiet or busy. Neighborhood, nice or questionable. Then you can compare without stress.

One more practical thing. Check the internet in the street. Ask neighbors if there’s fiber optic. If you need to video call for work, that’s really handy.

And don't forget to ask about small repairs. Who does what? The landlord usually fixes big things, but for small things it's sometimes you. Make sure that's clearly written down.

At an open house, where many people are viewing at once, try to grab a quiet moment. Quickly ask your most important questions then.

And yes, just be honest and cheerful. That helps too.

If you want to respond, do it right away with a complete package. So your papers, a short text about yourself, and your preferred move-in date.

Quick and tidy really makes a difference.

In summary, pay attention to your feelings. But also to facts, noise, dampness, costs, contracts, and use help online and in your city. You don’t have to do it alone.

Well, I'm curious. What’s your craziest viewing ever? Let us know. And if you found this episode helpful, give it a like and subscribe. You won’t miss the next tips.

Yes, definitely do that. And forward this to a friend who's moving soon. Good luck with your viewings and see you next time.