Housing

Finding affordable housing in Amsterdam is difficult, when you get accepted to study it is best to make this your first priority and start looking for a living space right away. Here you can find out information about different types of housing available in Amsterdam, tips on how to find accomodation, and resources to navigate finding accommodation in a housing crisis. We will be looking at student housing in the public and private sector, antikraak, artist living spaces, and woongroeps, as well as various organisations in the Netherlands that can provide support. Here⁠⁠ (opens in…

In the Netherlands you are sometimes eligible for rental allowance. Anyone, regardless of where they are from, can access this allowance if they meet the following conditions: You need to be at least 18 years or older. You’re renting an independent space (your home has private access through a front door and is equipped with a kitchen and toilet) and signed a rental lease contract. Do you rent a home together with other students? Then you can apply for the housing benefit together for the entire house. The applicant is the person listed on the lease. A Dutch bank account. You’re registered…

There are a number of municipal taxes⁠⁠⁠⁠ you have to pay when living in Amsterdam, such as rubbish tax (afvalstoffenheffing) and water tax (waterschapsbelasting). These bills can come as a nasty surprise, so it’s good to know about them. They will turn up in your letterbox with the listed amount and payment method. Municipal Tax Remittance In the letter you will also see information about appealing the tax and/or applying for tax exemption. For more information about this and to apply for remittance go here⁠⁠ (opens in a new…

Here are some additional resources to help you in navigating the Dutch housing crisis, most of this list comes from the work of @nomorelater, who with the Anti-Gentrification School, @cultural.workers.unite, @srvubond, @wdka.teachermemes and @wdka_spin compiled a great list of resources: The Housing Hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠: The Dutch Student Union (Landelijke Studentenvakbond, LSVb), founded the ‘Housing Hotline’ in cooperation with the European Students Network. The Housing Hotline provides a place for international students to ask questions regarding housing…