Relocating to The Hague can be both exciting and stressful – especially when you’re trying to find the right home from abroad or under time pressure. Our years of experience supporting expats in renting a property in The Hague have shown us the common pitfalls many international tenants face. Luckily, with the right preparation (and local support), you can avoid most of them.
Here are five of the most common mistakes expats make when renting a property in The Hague – and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Understanding the City’s Neighborhoods
The Hague has a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character, price range, and lifestyle. Expats often gravitate toward well-known areas like Statenkwartier or the city center, without realizing that other neighborhoods like Benoordenhout, Bezuidenhout, or even nearby towns like Voorburg or Rijswijk might be a better fit.
Tip: Explore what each area has to offer. Do you need international schools? Green spaces? A short commute to the embassy district or the beach? Knowing what you want will help narrow your search effectively. Have a look at our previous post to learn more about The Hague’s neighborhoods.
2. Starting the Search Too Late
Good rental homes in The Hague – especially those suited for expats – go fast. Many people wait until they arrive in the Netherlands to begin their search, only to find themselves with limited options and time pressure. If you are in need of renting a property in The Hague, you should start early.
Tip: Begin searching 6–8 weeks before your intended move. If you’re not in the country yet, a trusted relocation service can act on your behalf to visit properties, send videos, and even reserve your ideal home.
3. Not Fully Understanding Dutch Rental Contracts
Dutch rental contracts often contain unfamiliar legal terms, rules about maintenance, service charges, deposit handling, and rent increases. Many expats don’t realize what they’re agreeing to – until problems arise.
Tip: Always review your rental contract carefully before signing. It’s wise to get it checked by a local expert to avoid surprises, especially with long-term rentals. Did you know.. If you make use of our relocation service, we do this for you!
4. Relying Only on Public Platforms Like Funda or Pararius
Popular websites like Funda or Pararius are helpful but don’t show the full picture. Many rental properties in The Hague are never listed publicly and are only available through local networks or trusted relocation specialists.
Tip: Combine online searching with exclusive support. At Expat Relocation The Hague, we have access to off-market rentals and private listings that never make it to public websites. Our local network and experience allow us to match you with the right property quickly and reliably – even before it’s advertised. Another benefit of our service!
5. Underestimating Extra Costs
When budgeting, many expats focus only on monthly rent and forget about the additional expenses: deposits (often two months), service charges, furniture rental, local taxes, or fees for utilities and cleaning services.
Tip: Build a complete rental budget ahead of time. A relocation expert can help you estimate all costs and avoid unexpected financial stress (but don’t forget to take the service fee into consideration as well!)
ready for renting a property in The Hague?
Finding the right home doesn’t have to be stressful. At Expat Relocation The Hague, we guide expats through the entire rental process – from neighborhood advice and property search to contract review and key handover. We take the guesswork out of relocating.
Ready for renting a property in The Hague? Get in touch with us today and discover how we can help make your move smooth, simple, and successful.
