How do you actually get an apartment in Amsterdam? It’s all about speed, your application package and a bit of luck. In Part 2 of this series, I share a step-by-step guide on where to look and how to prepare a winning application that stands out to landlords and agencies alike.

Where and how to apply for an apartment in Amsterdam?

1. Where to Apply: The Search Engines

Don’t rely on just one site. You need a multi-channel approach to catch listings the second they go live. Here is the breakdown of the tools I used:

Funda & Pararius

These are the Big Two of the Dutch housing market. Most professional agencies list here first, and they are free to use. You do not need to pay a subscription to apply, and most listings are verified and legitimate.

• The Process: Sometimes you can apply directly on the site; other times, the listing will redirect you to the agency’s own website to create a profile. Have a short introduction ready. Mention who you are, confirm that your salary meets the income requirements, and give a specific reason why you’re interested in that particular apartment.
• The Reality: When I started, I spent hours every day manually checking these sites. I soon realized I needed a more efficient way to save time and effort, so I decided to sign up for RentSlam.

Rentslam

RentSlam is a paid services (around €40 per month). It completely automated my search by scanning multiple websites at once and emailing me once a new place was listed. In a market where every second counts, this was the only way I could stay ahead of the crowd. I actually found my new home within my first month of using it and cancelled my subscription right after!

• The Numbers: I applied to over 200 apartments through RentSlam. Out of those, I was invited to 7 viewings and eventually landed the one apartment I now call home.
• Speed is Life: This allows you to apply within minutes, which is vital in Amsterdam and improve your chances of getting a viewing.
• My Strategy: To increase my chances, I checked both “furnished” and “unfurnished” options, set a wide budget range, and removed all location restrictions.

Social Media

While I know people who found their apartments on Facebook groups, you must be extremely cautious. For me, I only encountered scams during my search. Be on high alert for these Red Flags:

• Viewing Fees: Anyone asking you to pay a deposit just to see an apartment is a scammer.
• Weird Personal Requests: One “landlord” asked me for a selfie; others sent long, overly emotional WhatsApp paragraphs to convince me they were “honest.”
• The “Out of the Country” Story: If they claim they are abroad, a viewing is impossible, but they can send you a video of the place—do not send money. They will use the video to convince you to pay a deposit for a place that likely doesn’t exist or isn’t theirs to rent.

2. How to Apply: The Winning Strategy

Speed is your best friend. Aim to apply within 60 minutes of a listing appearing. By the time a listing has been up for four hours, the agent likely already has 50+ emails and may stop reading new ones.

Personalize your message when applying. Write a message that introduces who you are, what you do for work, and why you’re a stable tenant.

Treat the viewing like a job interview. You need to make an impression to increase your chances of being shortlisted. Dress nicely, arrive five minutes early and introduce yourself to the agent. Ask a few targeted questions to stay memorable—such as confirming the availability date or the exact steps to finalize your interest. Most importantly, if you like the place, tell the agent immediately before you leave that you want to move forward with the application.

3. The Dossier: Documents You’ll Need

After the viewing, you need to confirm your interest by submitting an application. The Landlords in Amsterdam are risk-averse. They want to see that you are financially stable and reliable. Prepare the following files for you application:

• Proof of Identity: A clear scan of your passport or ID.
• Employment Contract: showing your salary to proof you meet income requirements. Most landlords require your gross monthly income to be 3.5x to 4x the rent.
• Income History: Your last three months of payslips. (If you’re new in the country like me, you can skip this).
• Bank Statements: Recent statements showing your salary being deposited. (not required if you just moved)
• The Cover Letter: A one-page letter that includes a nice photo of yourself, a brief bio, and a mention of your lifestyle (e.g. quiet habits, non-smoker, no pets). Briefly explain why you like this specific apartment. Remember to customize this for every apartment you apply for.

4. Signing the contract and in-check

Once your application is accepted, the final step is the contract and the formal handover. This is the moment to be careful before you start moving boxes.

• The Contract Review: Carefully review your rental agreement to confirm the start date, the rent breakdown, and any specific house rules. Ensure it states the deposit will be refunded to you when you leave.
• The “In-Check” Walkthrough: On the day you get your keys, you will perform an “in-check” (inspection) with the agent. Turn on the taps to check for water pressure, ensure there is hot water, and verify that all appliances and lights are fully operational. Take photos of the meters to insure you are only billed from day 1.
• Document Everything: Take high-resolution photos and videos of every corner, especially any existing scratches on the floor, marks on the walls, or issues with appliances. Ensure these are noted in the official inspection report—this documentation is your insurance policy for getting your full deposit back when you eventually move out.

Finding a home in Amsterdam is one of the most challenging and stressful parts of relocating, but it is also the most rewarding once you finally have those keys in hand. By staying organized, moving fast, and treating every viewing with a professional mindset, you’ll significantly increase your odds.

Good luck with your search—Amsterdam is waiting for you!