Tips to choose an apartment for rent in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands; it is a port city that has been attracting tourists for more than 800 years. It boasts of a large university and many international and multinational companies and attracts many foreign students and expatriates. The weather here is very temperate and stays constant all through the year.

The living standards in this city are quite high but costs a little less than other cities in the Netherlands. Public transport costs 3€ to 7.50€ per day while eating out will cost you between 7€ to 30€ per meal.

In this article we will be looking at how to choose apartment for rent in Rotterdam.

Getting started

In order to choose apartment for rent in Rotterdam you will need a bit of patience. There are two main methods that are used by many expats when trying to find the perfect apartment for their needs; these are the use of a real estate agent or online sites that connect you directly with the property owners such as housinganywhere.com.

There are various considerations that you should keep in mind before you choose apartment for rent in Rotterdam such as the neighborhood. The various options in terms of neighborhoods available in Rotterdam include;

• Developing or up and coming neighborhoods
• Trendy neighborhoods
• Up market neighborhoods
• Family friendly neighborhoods

You should also consider the state of the rental that would be perfect for your situation or needs. In Rotterdam there are three types of apartment rentals that you can choose from. These are;

• Gemeubileerd- furnished apartments
• Gestoffeerd- partially furnished apartments
• Ongemeubileerd- unfurnished apartments

These decisions are off course solely dependent on your budget and future financial situation while living in Rotterdam.

There is a very high demand for apartments in Rotterdam and starting your search early is advised if you want to get the perfect accommodation. Your search could take a few weeks.

Basic requirements for renting an apartment in Rotterdam

There are certain basic requirements that are required of the tenant before they can successfully move into a rental apartment; these requirements include.

• Proof of residency status
• Job contract and expected salary
• Bank statements as proof of adequate savings (For students and jobless residents)
• One month rent security deposit plus a onetime service fee

These requirements can change depending on the landlord tenant agreement or your negotiations with your future landlord. It is important to do a little research before getting into any landlord –tenant agreement. Your research should include the types of contracts available in Rotterdam (verbal and written contracts), what these rental agreements entail, what are the extra costs you may be required to pay, how to settle disputes that arise from rental agreements and so on. Having the right information will go a long way in ensuring you get the best value for your money and could prevent you from falling prey to any potential fraudsters.

Conclusion

Rotterdam is a city that is quickly growing with a vibrant and learned population. It is an exciting city to live in with a rich culture and history. Apartment hunting here can be fun but one must take adequate precautions and do proper research in order to get the best out of their future apartment.