Q: What Is The Definition Of An Expat And A Young Professional In The Netherlands?

What is a Young Professional? A Young Professional is a term used to describe a recent graduate or someone in the early stages of their career, typically between the ages of 20 and 35. Young professionals are often highly educated (holding a university degree) and have 0 to 5 years of work experience. Key characteristics of a Young Professional: Higher education background (Bachelor’s/Master’s degree) 0–5 years of work experience What is an Expat? An Expat (short for expatriate) is someone who lives and works in a foreign country, often for an extended period but without permanently settling there. Expats are usually employed by international companies, government institutions, or NGOs, and they may be transferred to a foreign office or move abroad for better job opportunities. Expats generally intend to stay for a temporary period, often based on a work contract or assignment. Key characteristics of an Expat: Lives and works in a country other than their country of origin Often employed by international companies or on work assignments Usually stays temporarily (e.g., 1–5 years), but this can vary May receive relocation support, housing, and other benefits from employers What is the difference between a Young Professional and an Expat? A Young Professional is defined by career stage (early in their professional journey), while an Expat is defined by location (working outside their home country).

Q: When Will The Deposit Be Refunded?

The refund of your deposit is managed by the management company or the landlord, depending on the accommodation you are leasing. Typically, the deposit will be refunded a few weeks after the check-out process, once any necessary inspections or deductions are completed. Please note that we do not handle the deposit refund process directly. Once your tenancy contract is concluded, you can coordinate with the management company or landlord regarding the refund details. They will inform you of the exact timing and any applicable deductions. For further information or if you have specific questions about the refund, please reach out to the responsible party.

Question 1

What Is Included In The Rate?

Accepted Answer

The prices mentioned on our website are all including service costs (like furniture) and flat rate - unless indicated otherwise - based on a stay of one year. The price consists of the flat rate, furniture and service costs.

It is forbidden to rent out with a fixed all-in rental price. It is not allowed by law for agencies and landlords to make a profit on utility costs, as we try to be as transparent as possible, we have separated these costs. You can find more info regarding this here.

Question 2

What Is The "Welcome To NL" Offer?

Accepted Answer

The "Welcome to NL" offer provides international students and expat with exclusive housing solutions and additional services, in partnership with Student Housing Hunter.

What services are included in the "Welcome to NL" offer?

The "Welcome to NL" offer includes the following services:

1. Coordination with the landlord: This involves communicating and working with the landlord to address any issues related to the rental property, such as lease agreements, maintenance, or any other landlord-tenant matters.

2. Furnishing process: This refers to overseeing or arranging the furnishing of the rental property, which could include selecting, purchasing, and placing furniture and other necessary items in the property.

3. Translation Support: We provide Dutch tenancy agreements and terms for legal reasons. Student Housing Hunter (SHH) can assist with translations to ensure you fully understand the terms. Please note that Dutch contracts remain legally binding.

4. Registration Support: Assistance with the registration process and support with tasks such as banking, finding a family doctor, obtaining a Dutch SIM card, etc. SHH also guides you through de-registration processes when necessary.

5. Travel & Accommodation Assistance

Flight & Transportation Booking Assistance – We assist with booking flights and other transportation options to help you reach your destination conveniently.
Pre-Arrival Accommodation Assistance – If you need overnight stays before moving into your accommodation, we help arrange suitable lodging options.

6. Additional Assistance: Apart from translation and registration support, the package may offer further assistance tailored to the needs of international students. For specific details, please refer to the Student Housing Hunter website.

Are there any additional costs associated with the "Welcome to NL" offer?

While the advertised price for the "Welcome to NL" offer includes the Student Housing Hunter fee, additional charges may still apply for furniture, utilities, internet, and other amenities. These costs are not included in the advertised price, on the IITN-website, and will be specified separately in the tenancy agreeement, as with regular offers. For an estimated breakdown of these extra charges, please visit our FAQ page here. here.

One-Time Fee

There is a one-time fee involved, which is paid upfront. The maximum fee is €1500, but the actual price depends on various factors. It is best to inquire with the sales team for the exact fee and to check if any active promotions apply to the accommodation.

Recurring Costs

Recurring costs, such as rent and services included in the package, are covered under the advertised price and are paid according to the rental agreement.

For further details, feel free to contact us.

Question 3

What Is The Definition Of An Expat And A Young Professional In The Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

What is a Young Professional?

A Young Professional is a term used to describe a recent graduate or someone in the early stages of their career, typically between the ages of 20 and 35. Young professionals are often highly educated (holding a university degree) and have 0 to 5 years of work experience.

Key characteristics of a Young Professional:

Higher education background (Bachelor’s/Master’s degree)
0–5 years of work experience

What is an Expat?

An Expat (short for expatriate) is someone who lives and works in a foreign country, often for an extended period but without permanently settling there. Expats are usually employed by international companies, government institutions, or NGOs, and they may be transferred to a foreign office or move abroad for better job opportunities.

Expats generally intend to stay for a temporary period, often based on a work contract or assignment.

Key characteristics of an Expat:

Lives and works in a country other than their country of origin
Often employed by international companies or on work assignments
Usually stays temporarily (e.g., 1–5 years), but this can vary
May receive relocation support, housing, and other benefits from employers

What is the difference between a Young Professional and an Expat?

A Young Professional is defined by career stage (early in their professional journey), while an Expat is defined by location (working outside their home country).

Question 4

What Kind Of Mattresses Are You Using?

Accepted Answer

The mattresses we provide have the following features:

A minimum of 7 comfort zones
Are at least 18 cm high
Have at least 500 pocket springs per m2 (if it is a pocket spring mattress)
The size of the mattress is at least 90 cm x 200 cm
Can hold a weight up to 120 kilos
Some accommodations have better and bigger mattresses

All of the mattresses we provide are cleaned by a professional & certified cleaning service after every stay

Question 5

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Accepted Answer

Once you book an accommodation with us, you will be provided different ways to pay the deposit, the rent and other additional services throughout the tenancy. In short, we accept the following payment methods:

SEPA Bank transfer (FREE)
iDeal (FREE)
Bancontact (FREE)
Credit cards (4.2% charge)

SEPA Bank transfer is one of the most straight forward possibilities. Kindly note to take into account the right bank account number and the attn. of the transaction. This information is always mentioned in the contract and invoice.

Non-European bank accounts

Kindly note that if you try to transfer an amount from a non-IBAN (non-European) bank account, your bank and other intermediate banks will most probably deduct transfer fees from the amount sent. This will result in a lower amount received by us, and you will need to supplement the amount due. For that reason, we do not advise you to transfer funds directly to our bank account from a non-European bank account.

iDeal is a payment method which is very popular in The Netherlands and all the Dutch banks are connected to. The invoices provided also contain an automatic payment link through iDeal, which makes transferring funds seamlessly.

Bancontact is a popular Belgium payment method which is supported by almost all the Belgium banks.

Credit cards we accept: Visa, MasterCard, JCB, UnionPay, Discover and American Express. If you want to pay an amount with your credit card, a non-refundable processing fee of 4.2% of the total amount is applicable to the transaction.

All transaction fees are to be paid by the tenant

Under no circumstances do we accept cash payments

Question 6

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.

Question 7

When Will The Deposit Be Refunded?

Accepted Answer

The refund of your deposit is managed by the management company or the landlord, depending on the accommodation you are leasing. Typically, the deposit will be refunded a few weeks after the check-out process, once any necessary inspections or deductions are completed.

Please note that we do not handle the deposit refund process directly. Once your tenancy contract is concluded, you can coordinate with the management company or landlord regarding the refund details. They will inform you of the exact timing and any applicable deductions.

For further information or if you have specific questions about the refund, please reach out to the responsible party.

Question 8

Which Extra Costs Can I Expect With An Excl. Rate?

Accepted Answer

When the price is exclusive (excl), it means that only the monthly flat rate is shown. This is the basic rent price for the accommodation. Additional costs for furniture, utilities, internet, and other amenities are not covered. A break-down of these costs can be found in your rental agreement.

NON-SHARED RENTAL

When renting a non-shared accommodation, please note that there will be additional costs of approximately 470 EUR per month. These costs are a (advance) payment for the utilities such as gas, water, electricity, internet, and other possible amenities. The actual costs can differ, it depends on your usage and the energy-label of the accommodation.

➡️ When renting an apartment with students, you may be eligible for municipality tax exemptions 🙌🥳. This could save you approx. €25 per person per month.

LONG-STAY ROOM RENTAL

For private bedrooms in shared accommodations (rooms), you can expect an additional amount of approximately €219.50 per month. These costs are a (advance) payment for the utilities such as gas, water, electricity, internet, and other possible amenities. The actual costs can differ, it depends on your usage and the energy-label of the accommodation.

SHORT-STAY ROOM

However, when renting a short-stay room, please note that the additional amount is approximately €192.50 per month. This cost is lower because there are no taxes involved when booking a short-stay.

HOMESTAY

All mentioned rental prices for homestays are inclusive of the total rent. There are no additional charges for utilities or other amenities. Fair-use policy applies.

Important Information; 💡 (NOT APPLICABLE TO HOMESTAYS)

At the end of your stay, or annually, you will receive a settlement for all advance payments. The actual costs will be based on your actual usage. If your usage exceeds the advance payments, you will need to cover the difference. Conversely, if your actual costs are lower than the advance payments, you will receive a refund.

Question 9

Which Kind Of Accommodations Do You Provide?

Accepted Answer

We distinguish between five different types of accommodation; private bedrooms, semi-studios, studios, apartments, and houses. Understanding the distinctions between these, can help you make informed decisions when seeking the ideal residential space to meet your needs and lifestyle preferences.

Private Bedroom

A private bedroom refers to an individual room within a shared living arrangement, such as an apartment or house. It is designated for personal use and typically includes space for sleeping and storage. Private bedrooms can be rented separately in shared living arrangements, providing individuals with their own personal space while sharing common areas, such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, with other tenants.

Semi-Studio

A semi-studio is a residential unit that offers a combination of shared and private spaces. It typically includes a private bedroom and bathroom, while the kitchen and/or toilet (and/or other living areas) may be shared with other residents. Semi-studios are a popular option for those seeking a balance between privacy and affordability. Semi-studios are often favored by students who value privacy but are open to sharing common areas with like-minded individuals. It allows for a more social living environment while still providing a private bedroom for relaxation and study.

Studio

A studio apartment is a self-contained living space that typically features a single room encompassing the bedroom, living area, and kitchenette. It often has a separate bathroom. Studio apartments are designed to maximize space and offer a compact, all-in-one solution for individuals or couples. Studio apartments are generally suitable for use by an individual or a couple. Due to their limited size and layout, accommodating more than two people can be challenging.

Apartment

An apartment refers to a self-contained residential unit within a larger building or complex. It usually consists of multiple rooms, including private bedrooms, living areas, a kitchen, and one or more bathrooms.Apartments offer various advantages such as access to shared amenities, and often provide a convenient location close to urban centers, schools, and workplaces. They are suitable for individuals, couples, or groups of students, depending on the size and layout of the apartment.

House

A house is a freestanding residential structure typically designed to accommodate a single-family or multiple families. Houses feature separate rooms, including private bedrooms, living spaces, a kitchen, bathrooms, and often include outdoor spaces like gardens or yards. Living in a house offers more privacy and space compared to apartments or studios. It provides the opportunity for customization, gardening, and hosting social gatherings. Houses are suitable for groups who value privacy.

Question 10

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.