What to Do Before Moving Into a Room in the Netherlands

A step-by-step checklist for students

Moving to a new student room in the Netherlands can be exciting but it often comes with confusion. Especially for international students unfamiliar with Dutch rental rules, inschrijving registration, deposits, and shared accommodation expectations.

Whether you are swapping rooms, taking over a rental contract, or subrenting from a student going abroad, this checklist helps you avoid mistakes and start your new housing situation smoothly.

1. Confirm That You Can Register at the Address Inschrijving

Registration at the municipality (Gemeente) is mandatory if you are:

• Staying longer than 4 months

• Applying for BSN or residence permit

• Using Dutch insurance

• Receiving DUO or huurtoeslag rent allowance

Without registration you may risk issues with:

• Immigration status

• University enrollment

• Tax benefits

Always ask the outgoing tenant and landlord in advance whether registration is possible.

2. Check What Type of Contract You Are Signing

Most student accommodation use:

a) Subrent or temporary contract – You rent from a current tenant while they are away, the landlord must approve.

b) Contract takeover – You replace the outgoing tenant officially in the rental system.

Real Contract Example:

“The lessor is temporarily staying abroad, after which the lessor will return to the room.” 

“The property owner has been informed and agrees.”

Be careful with contracts that do not allow early termination. One example allows the agreement to end only on the final date, not earlier.

3. Inspect the Room Before You Agree

Check:

• Mold, leaks, heating, locks

• Mattress and furniture condition

• Safety of surrounding area

• Shared spaces such as kitchen and bathroom

• Cleaning rules

Real Contract Example:

“Surface of the room is: 18 square meters. Includes use of the kitchen, shower, restroom, and communal area.”

Not able to attend a viewing? Domakin offers trusted remote viewings to verify the property and answer all your questions. 

4. Clarify Rent and All Other Costs

Ask for a full written breakdown, including:

• Monthly rent

• Deposit and return conditions

• Gas, water, electricity

• Wifi

• Furniture included

• Laundry fees

  
  

Cost Example in a Dutch Temporary Contract

• Rent: €650 per month

• Laundry: €2.20 per wash and €1.50 per dry

• Payment due before the 21st of each month

• Bank transfer only

  
  

If the numbers feel unclear, pause before signing.

5. Notify Your Gemeente When You Move

You must register your new address within 5 days.

Also update:

• University administration

• Bank information

• Insurance address

• IND or residence documents

  
  

Skipping this step can cause legal issues or fines.

6. Utilities Transfer (If Not Included)

Depending on the contract:

• Utilities may stay under the current tenant

• You may need to transfer the account

• Some rentals have fixed all-inclusive pricing

  
  

Clarify who pays what, and starting when.

7. Take Move-In Day Photos

Before unpacking anything:

Photograph:

• Walls, floor, windows

• Furniture condition

• Any stains or damages

  
  

This protects your deposit when you move out.

How RentSwap Helps You Avoid the Stress

RentSwap makes room-swapping:

• Safe. All listings are verified.

• Fair. No bidding wars.

• Scam-free. No fake landlords.

• Cheaper. No upfront search cost.

• Community-powered. Help each other access housing.

• Rewarding. When it is time to leave you can pass on your room to a next tenant and get 200 euros.

You can:

• Find your next verified room confidently

• Help another student move in after you

• Enjoy student life without housing chaos

Rent smart. Rent safe. RentSwap.