Question 1

What Is A Valid Bank Statement?

Accepted Answer

A valid bank statement is a document issued by your bank that provides a detailed summary of your account’s activity over a specified period. It shows important details like deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and the account balance.

For guarantor applications, landlords request bank statements to verify the guarantor's financial stability, ensuring they can cover rent payments if the tenant is unable to meet their financial obligations. A valid bank statement should meet the following criteria:

1. Recent Date: It should cover the most recent 3-6 months of account activity to give an accurate snapshot of the guarantor's financial situation.
2. Clear Account Information: The bank statement should clearly show the account holder’s name, account number, and the bank’s details.
3. Visible Transactions: The document must show regular deposits, especially income-related ones, to demonstrate the guarantor's ability to cover rent if needed.
4. PDF or Printed Format: Bank statements must be in a format that cannot be easily altered, such as a PDF or printed copy issued directly by the bank.
5. Language: The bank statement must be in English or Dutch.

This is necessary to prevent fraud, confirm identity, and assess whether the guarantor can reliably cover the rent should the tenant default.

BANK STATEMENT EXAMPLE:

Question 2

Why Do I Need to Provide a Guarantor Within the EU as an International Student or Expat Renting From Internationals In The Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the guarantor requirement when renting from Internationals in the Netherlands. Whether you are an international student or an expat, this requirement ensures financial security and minimizes risks for all parties involved.

As part of our rental agreement, we request that tenants provide a guarantor who is based within the European Union. This measure serves to ensure accountability and mitigate potential risks for both parties involved in the rental arrangement. It is not allowed to point yourself as a guarantor. You can read more about it here.

If the accommodation is a group rental, each applicant must provide a different guarantor. It is not permissible for all applicants to have the same guarantor. Additionally, the guarantor's bank account must be a personal account, not a joint account.

Here are a few key points to elaborate on why we have implemented the requirement of having an EU guarantor:

1. Financial Responsibility: The presence of a guarantor helps to secure the financial aspect of the rental agreement. By having a guarantor within the EU, we can ensure that there is an individual who can assume responsibility for the rental payments in the event that the tenant is unable to fulfill their obligations.

2. Legal and Administrative Compliance: Renting a property involves various legal and administrative aspects. Having a guarantor within the EU facilitates adherence to local laws and regulations governing rental contracts. It provides an added layer of assurance that the necessary documentation and procedures can be carried out effectively.

3. Risk Mitigation: Renting accommodations involves an element of risk for both the tenant and the landlord. The presence of a guarantor within the EU helps mitigate these risks by providing an additional financial support system. In case of unforeseen circumstances or potential damages to the property, the guarantor can step in to fulfill any financial obligations that may arise.

4. International Tenants Considerations: Both students and expats may have limited financial and legal resources in the Netherlands. It helps bridge potential gaps that may arise due to the unique circumstances and limited social safety nets that international students or Expat often face. The presence of a guarantor provides an added sense of security and helps ensure a smooth rental experience.

Please note that the role of a guarantor is primarily to provide financial security and is not intended to interfere with the tenant's independence or decision-making. The guarantor's involvement is typically limited to financial matters and does not extend to day-to-day interactions between the tenant and the landlord.

We understand that finding a guarantor within the EU may pose challenges for some individuals. If you encounter difficulties in meeting this requirement, we encourage you to reach out to our team. We will be more than happy to explore alternative solutions or discuss any concerns you may have.

We hope this clarifies the reasons behind our requirement for a guarantor within the EU. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you throughout the rental process.

Once again, we appreciate your interest in renting from Internationals In The Netherlands, and we look forward to providing you with a comfortable and enjoyable living experience.

Question 3

When Is The Deadline For The First-Term Rent Payment?

Accepted Answer

The first-term rent payment must cover a minimum of one full calendar month. If the start date stated in the contract falls in the second or third week of the month, two invoices will be sent. One will cover the remainder of the current month, and the other will cover the next month’s rent. Both invoices must be paid before scheduling your check-in, as the next month’s rent is always due in the last week of the current month.

Ideally, it’s best to make the payment as soon as possible to expedite the scheduling of your check-in, as our planning team's schedule can fill up quickly.

However, if you do not finalize the payment within 4 days, the check-in will take place within 3 business days after receiving your first-term payment. If the responsible party does not provide a check-in date within 3 business days, the finance department will also not invoice you for the remaining days until the actual check-in date.

Any rent adjustments will be made with the rent of the following month.

Keep the following timeline in mind:

Sign contract < 72 hours by tenant.
Sign contract < 1 business day (24 hours) by landlord.
Transfer the first term rent (this is one month rent or remainder month + 1 full month rent). Any differences due to a partial month will be adjusted in the following month's invoice.

Please note: Our planning department is closed on business days from 3 PM.