Finding a rental home can be a challenging task, especially for first-time tenants who may be renting for the first time. Due to the large number of rental agents, private owners and a huge selection of websites, house-hunters can often no longer see the wood for the trees.
Huurzone is a platform that gathers all rental property listings, whether from letting agents or private landlords. This ensures that renters have a comprehensive view of all available options at any moment. Moreover, prospective tenants can express their interest in properties through Huurzone, after which landlords can decide whether to invite these applicants for a viewing.
Since it can be difficult for home-seekers to find their way when using a new platform such as Huurzone, Huurzone has compiled an e-book containing all the information you need to effectively search for a home via Huurzone. We explain the basics in this text and in the e-book you can then find all details about the use of Huurzone.
To be able to use the features offered by Huurzone, you need to create a personal account. Rental Zone users can choose between a free account and a paid Premium account. The free account allows you to use a number of basic features of Huurzone, such as viewing the available homes and responding to a maximum of one property per day. However, if you, as a home-seeker, require more information about the available homes and want the opportunity to respond to an unlimited number of properties, it is best to invest in a Premium account. A Premium account costs € 19.95 per month and can be canceled at any time.
Checklist for your new home
Before you start looking for a rental property, it's helpful to identify the essential features your future home should have. For instance, it's important to decide on the desired location and size of the property. You should also assess the condition of the home and set your maximum rental budget.
The difference between social rental properties and private rental properties
When renting a property, it's crucial to understand the difference between private sector rentals and social sector rentals. Social rentals are properties mainly designed for tenants with low incomes, who might not be able to purchase a home or afford renting privately. To ensure these homes remain truly affordable, social rental properties have a capped rent.
As a tenant, you often need to meet several criteria to qualify for social housing. For instance, you typically have to register with a housing association and your income must not exceed the specified limit. The private rental market has far fewer regulations. There is no cap on rental prices and generally no income restriction for tenants in the private sector.
Towns and villages near major cities
If you have a job in one of the major cities in the Netherlands, such as Utrecht, Rotterdam or Amsterdam, you would most probably like to live near your place of work. However, it can be very difficult to find a home in these cities, because the demand for housing is often high and the rental prices are also increasing. Fortunately, Huurzone also offers a wide range of rental properties in towns and villages close to the major cities. The houses in these places are often more affordable, but you still have all amenities nearby.
Secure use of Huurzone
When you're renting a property, it's important to be mindful of potential risks that may not be entirely safe or fair. To protect yourself from rental scams, there are a few key points to consider. For instance, always make sure to visit the property you're interested in and verify the credentials of the landlord or owning entity to ensure they can be trusted.
