Furnished monthly rentals in Amsterdam range from studios and shared rooms to one- and two-bedroom flats, with median prices and deposit rules set by Dutch law. Before signing a rental contract, renters must understand lease terms, registration requirements, and payment rules that protect both tenant and landlord. These regulations ensure that those staying for 1 to 11 months know their financial obligations and legal standing within the city.
Monthly Rent by Home Type in Amsterdam
Studio
For those seeking a compact, independent living space, the median advertised monthly rent for a studio is 2,775 € (Flexsirent observatory, October 2026). Half of the available listings for this home type fall within a price range between 2,400 € and 3,550 €. Based on a total of 18 listings, 75 % of these units include bills in the advertised price, which simplifies budgeting for the tenant.
Room in a Shared Flat
A room in a shared flat is the most affordable option for a mid-term rental, with a median advertised monthly rent of 719 € (Flexsirent observatory, October 2026). Half of the listings for this category are priced between 677 € and 900 €. With 89 listings recorded, this is a common choice for those prioritizing cost, and 92 % of these listings include bills.
One-Bedroom Flat
The median advertised monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat is 3,450 € (Flexsirent observatory, October 2026). The price range where half of the listings fall is between 2,796 € and 4,000 €. Among the 70 listings available, 83 % include bills, meaning the tenant does not need to set up separate utility contracts for the majority of these homes.
Two-Bedroom Flat or Larger
For larger households or those needing more space, the median advertised monthly rent for a flat with two bedrooms or more is 3,900 € (Flexsirent observatory, October 2026). Half of the listings for these larger homes are priced between 3,000 € and 4,800 €. Out of 87 listings, 71 % include bills in the monthly cost.
Deposit and Return Rules
The deposit cannot be more than 2 months' basic rent (Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikel 261b lid 2 en 3; Wet goed verhuurderschap, artikel 2 lid 2 onder c). Charging more than this cap is considered a breach of the duty of good landlordship, a regulation in force since 1 July 2023. Once the lease ends, the landlord must return the deposit within 14 days. However, if there is damage to the property that needs to be offset, the landlord is allowed an extension to return the funds, with a total timeline of 30 days.
Lease Terms for Mid-Term Rentals
Since 1 July 2024, residential leases are open-ended as a rule under the Wet vaste huurcontracten (Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikel 271 lid 1-2 en artikel 232 lid 2; Besluit specifieke groepen tijdelijke huurovereenkomst, artikelen 1 en 3). This means a fixed-term lease does not end simply because the date on the contract has passed; instead, it must be terminated by notice. A genuinely temporary lease of 2 years or less that ends on its set date is only permitted for specific groups listed in the Besluit specifieke groepen tijdelijke huurovereenkomst, such as students from abroad or from another Dutch municipality, and tenants who are rehoused during urgent renovation. For these specific temporary leases to end on the date, the landlord must notify the tenant in writing between 3 months and 1 month before the end date. If a second consecutive lease is signed with the same tenant, that agreement automatically becomes open-ended. It should be noted that lettings whose use is by its nature of short duration fall outside this residential-tenancy protection.
Registration and Identification
Anyone who expects to stay in the Netherlands for at least two-thirds of a half-year, which equals 4 months in 6, must register in person at the municipality (BRP) within 5 days of arrival (Wet basisregistratie personen, artikel 2.38 lid 1). This registration must be done at the home address or, if that is not possible, at a correspondence address. Upon registration in the BRP, the citizen service number (BSN) is allocated automatically to the individual (Government.nl). For those staying under 4 months, registration is handled as non-residents (RNI), who also receive a BSN. This number is essential for any tenant as it is required for taxes, healthcare, and all official contact with the government.
Payment Methods and Residence Permits
Cash Payment Rules
Since 1 January 2026, professional traders in goods are prohibited from making or accepting cash payments of 3,000 € or more, and this includes linked split payments (Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en financieren van terrorisme, artikel 1f). This restriction is designed to prevent money laundering, though the ban does not cover services or private-to-private sales.
Residence Permits for Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens must obtain a residence permit based on their purpose of stay, such as studying at a university or higher professional education, working as a highly skilled migrant via a recognized IND sponsor, or using an orientation year to find work after graduation (IND). If an MVV entry visa is required, it must be applied for alongside the permit at the Dutch embassy, and the MVV remains valid for 90 days. Additionally, nationals of the United States and Japan may apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) or the Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty, provided they trade between the Netherlands and their home country or lead business operations in the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deposit cap and how long does the landlord have to return it?
The deposit cannot exceed 2 months' basic rent (Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikel 261b lid 2 en 3; Wet goed verhuurderschap, artikel 2 lid 2 onder c). It must be returned within 14 days after the lease ends, or 30 days if there is damage to set off.
Can I sign a fixed-term lease that ends on a set date in Amsterdam?
Generally, residential leases are open-ended, but a genuinely temporary lease of 2 years or less is possible for specific groups like students from abroad (Besluit specifieke groepen tijdelijke huurovereenkomst, artikelen 1 en 3). The landlord must provide written notice between 3 months and 1 month before the end date.
How quickly must I register at the municipality and do I need a citizen service number?
You must register at the municipality within 5 days of arrival if staying at least 4 months in a 6-month period (Wet basisregistratie personen, artikel 2.38 lid 1). A citizen service number (BSN) is issued upon registration and is required for taxes, healthcare, and government contact (Government.nl).
Do non-EU citizens need a residence permit to rent in Amsterdam?
Yes, non-EU citizens require a residence permit for purposes such as work, study, or an orientation year (IND). Certain US and Japanese nationals may apply as self-employed under bilateral treaties.