Finding the right home is one part of the challenge—convincing a Dutch landlord to choose you over dozens of other applicants is the next. While luck plays a part, there are real, strategic things you can do to make your rental application stand out. Here’s how to win over a Dutch landlord without wasting time or energy.

1. Be ready with your paperwork (and keep it tidy)

Dutch landlords are notoriously efficient. If your application is missing documents, you’re basically asking to be skipped over. It’s like sending off a job application and realizing you forgot your resume. Before you even start applying, make sure you have these ready:

Proof of income (usually 3 months of payslips or an employment contract)
Copy of your ID or passport
Proof of registration with your employer (especially for expats)
A short, friendly cover letter (more on this later!)

Even better? Use a single PDF with a clear file name like "[Your Name] – Rental Application.pdf" to look professional. Looks way better than “17040278.docx”, right?

2. Personalize your message—but don’t overdo it

Landlords want peace of mind that rent will be paid on time and their property will be respected. This doesn’t mean you need to be overly formal—but do convey that you’re:

Financially reliable
Clean and respectful
Planning to stay for a while (if that’s true)

A brief note about your job, lifestyle (Quiet? Family? Work from home?), and why you’re moving to the Netherlands can go a long way.

You’re not writing a love letter—just a short note to help them remember you. Address them politely, mention the listing, and maybe say one thing you really liked about the home (e.g., the balcony or location).

But we get it: writing cover letters every time is exhausting. That’s why Rentbird includes AI-generated cover letters, so you can stay ahead by sending tailored applications faster than your competition—without writing each one from scratch.

4. Act fast and follow up

The earlier you apply, the better. Landlords often review the first few applications and stop once they find a match. Send your documents quickly and if you don’t hear back in 2-3 days, a polite follow-up email can show you’re serious—without being pushy. Chances are, the property has gone, but you never know if you don't try!

Let Rentbird help you make the first move

The Dutch rental market moves fast, and landlords can receive dozens of applications in just a few hours. That’s why Rentbird uses search bots to monitor 1,400+ rental sites 24/7, alerting you instantly when a property is listed.

Even better? It writes a smart, personalized cover letter for each application, so you’re always ready to press send—and be the first in the landlord’s inbox.

Ready to level up your housing search? Try Rentbird today and win over your next landlord, faster.

Amy Worgan

Related tips

A person with many bracelets and rings typing on a laptop on a wooden table outside. An open notebook is in the background.

expatrentaltips

8 minutes reading time

How to spot a great rental listing (before anyone else)

Finding a rental home in the Netherlands is a race against time. With high demand and competitive bidding, listings can disappear within hours. But how can you tell which listings are worth chasing—and which ones might be scams or time-wasters? Here’s how to spot a great rental listing before anyone else does.

Read article

expatrentaltips

8 minutes reading time

How to spot a great rental listing (before anyone else)

Read article

Back to all tips

Find your new rental property in no-time!

Where do you want to live?

4.6

Based on 1,592 reviews