Students, let's find you a home. Together.
We are a young Dutch platform, and we know how hard it is for students to find a place to live: endless searching, fake listings, and homes that are gone within an hour. We want to help. On VrijVerkocht you rent directly from a private owner who has been checked, and you never pay us anything. We are doing our very best to bring together as many rental homes as we can, and you can help us with that.
Always free for tenants. The number of homes is still growing. Share this page with your fellow students, and hang up our poster.Who this is for
- International students.Starting at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences (hogeschool) and looking for a place to live, alone or with others.
- Expats and international workers.Moving to the Netherlands for a job and looking for a home for yourself or your family.
- Newcomers.Building a new life here and looking for an honest owner who treats everyone the same.
In short: if you are new here and need a home, this is for you. You never pay us anything.
How it works
- Browse the homesSwitch the site to English and choose Rent (Huren). You see houses and apartments from private owners. No account needed to look.
- Check the criteria firstEvery listing shows up front what the owner asks for, such as income or whether pets are welcome. So you know straight away if it fits.
- Reply in your own languageWrite a short introduction. The owner reads a translation. You do not need to send your passport or payslips before you are invited.
- View the home and sign onlineIf the owner invites you, pick a time for the viewing. The rental contract is for an indefinite period and you sign it online. Only then do you pay the first rent and the deposit, directly to the owner.
In short: browse, reply in your own language, view, then sign. Nothing to pay before you sign.
Stay safe: how to spot a rental scam
- Never pay before a viewing.Anyone who asks for a deposit or "reservation fee" before you have seen the home and signed a contract is almost always a scammer.
- Be careful with "I am abroad, I will send the keys".This is one of the most common tricks. On VrijVerkocht our team checks that the owner really owns the home before it goes online.
- A price that is too good to be true usually is.Compare with similar homes in the same city.
- Keep everything in writing.On VrijVerkocht all messages are saved, and you can download a record of your reply, the listing and the invitation.
In short: no money before a viewing and a signed contract, and use a platform where the owner has been checked.
Your rights as a tenant
- No agency fees.An agent working for the landlord may not charge you anything. VrijVerkocht never charges tenants.
- Deposit of two months' rent at most.You get it back within 14 days after you move out, or within 30 days if damage is settled.
- A permanent contract is the norm.Since July 2024, rental contracts are in principle for an indefinite period.
- You may register at the address.Everyone who lives in the Netherlands has to register at their home address with the municipality. A landlord may not forbid this.
In short: no fees, a deposit of two months at most, a permanent contract, and you can register at your address.
Students: help find more homes
There are far too few homes to rent, and many owners do not know they can rent out their home safely and for free. We are working hard to change that, and you can help. Download our poster and ask if you may hang it on the notice board at your university, university of applied sciences, student association, sports club or local supermarket. It invites owners to list their home on VrijVerkocht. Every new home helps a student or newcomer.
Or scan to download the poster on your phone.Most owners in the Netherlands read Dutch, so the Dutch poster works best in most places; the English one is for international buildings and expat areas. Please always ask permission before you hang it up. Thank you for helping.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay anything to VrijVerkocht?
No, never. The owner pays us a fixed amount after a contract is signed. You only pay rent, any service charges and the deposit, directly to the owner, and only after signing.
Can I rent a single room?
Not yet. For now we only list whole homes: houses and apartments. Rooms for students may follow later.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No. The listings, the reply form, the messages and the contract steps work in English, and your messages are translated for the owner.
Do you ask for a residence permit?
No, we do not ask for that. The owner chooses with criteria that are the same for everyone and shown in advance.
Where are the homes?
All over the Netherlands, with a focus on Amsterdam, Almere and the surrounding area. The number of homes is still growing; check back regularly.
Find your home, directly from the owner.
Free for tenants, owners checked, everything in English.
See homes for rent