Rental Property Rotterdam: Renting in the Port City

Discover the current listings and start your adventure in 010.

Rotterdam! The city of innovation, architecture, and unparalleled energy. Do you dream of living in this vibrant port city? Then finding the perfect rental home in Rotterdam is an important first step. The Rotterdam housing market is constantly in motion, with a diverse supply, but also significant competition. How do you navigate this landscape? Where do you find the available rental properties that suit you? And how do you ensure you get those keys?

Apartments in Rotterdam

This guide is your complete handbook for renting in Rotterdam. We'll delve into the neighborhoods, costs, the search process, and provide you with essential tips. Read on and discover how HousingMatchers.nl helps you find your new home in 010!

Why is Rotterdam the Ideal City to Find a Rental Property?

Rotterdam is unique. It's a city that shows daring, with a skyline found nowhere else in the Netherlands and a hands-on mentality. Living in Rotterdam means living in a city that is constantly renewing itself, where modern architecture blends with raw, industrial edges and surprisingly green spots like the Kralingse Bos. The city has an international allure, attracts talent from all over the world, and offers a rich mix of cultures, reflected in its shops, restaurants, and streets. A rental home here means access to a vibrant arts and culture scene, top universities, and excellent career opportunities, partly thanks to its enormous port.

The Maas River literally flows through the heart of the city, connecting the different districts. Accessibility is excellent, both within Rotterdam with an efficient public transport network, and outwards. Although the demand for good rental properties is high, Rotterdam often offers a bit more space and sometimes more favorable prices than, for example, Amsterdam. It's a city with character, pride, and a directness that appeals to many people. Finding a rental home in Rotterdam is the start of an adventure in a city that never stands still.

What Kind of Rental Properties Does Rotterdam Offer?

The supply of rental properties in Rotterdam is remarkably diverse. Of course, there are many apartments, from compact studios to luxury penthouses with views, especially in the city center and on the Kop van Zuid. But Rotterdam offers much more! Are you looking for a single-family home with a garden? Then neighborhoods like Overschie, Hillegersberg, or parts of Prins Alexander are interesting. Characteristic upper or lower-level homes are often found in older neighborhoods such as Kralingen, Blijdorp, or Nieuwe Westen. Rotterdam even has almshouses and unique projects in transformed port areas.

Apartments

From high-rises in the center to characteristic porch homes in Blijdorp.

Single-Family Homes

Space and a garden can be found in neighborhoods like Overschie, Hillegensberg, or Prins Alexander.

Unique Projects

Living in old warehouses or transformed port areas offers a unique atmosphere.

Whether you're a starter looking for an affordable home, a family needing space, or an expat looking for a furnished apartment for a certain period, Rotterdam offers options. Pay attention to the different types of homes being offered. A rental property can be an apartment, but also a terraced house, a maisonette, or even a mansion. It pays to broaden your search and look at different housing types. Through HousingMatchers.nl, you can easily filter by the type of home you're looking for, whether you have a specific apartment or a spacious house in mind. The supply changes quickly, so checking regularly is key.

Modern apartment with gym on the 's-Gravenweg

€1,365 / month

‘s-Gravenweg, Rotterdam
1
54 m²
2/2/2026
Apartment

Living in the ZuideR Carré: 116 m² in Vreewijk

€2,495 / month

Leo Lashleylaan, Rotterdam
2
116 m²
In consultation
Apartment

Views of Hofplein from the 11th floor

€2,250 / month

Weena 21D, Rotterdam
2
90 m²
9/1/2025
Apartment

Spacious Living: 128m² in Oude Noorden

€1,995 / month

Bergweg, Rotterdam
4
128 m²
Immediately
Apartment

New Build on the Maas: Piekstraat Rotterdam

€1,675 / month

Piekstraat 159, Rotterdam
1
66 m²
In consultation
Apartment

New build on the 14th floor along the Maas river

€2,250 / month

Piekstraat 267, Rotterdam
1
93 m²
1/1/2026
Apartment

Find Available Rental Properties in Rotterdam via a Platform Like HousingMatchers

The most efficient way to start your search for rental properties in Rotterdam is via an online platform. HousingMatchers.nl is such a platform that bundles the current offerings from various providers (real estate agents and private landlords). This saves you the time-consuming task of scouring dozens of different websites. Here you get a clear overview of which rental properties are available in Rotterdam and the surrounding area. You can view the listings for free.

To search specifically, make optimal use of the search function and filters. Enter your maximum monthly rent, select your preferred neighborhoods in Rotterdam, the desired number of rooms, and the minimum living area. Do you only want to see apartments, or are you also open to other houses? Indicate your preferences. A crucial tip: set up search alerts! As soon as a new rental property comes online that meets your criteria, you will receive an immediate notification. Since popular properties in Rotterdam are rented out quickly, this allows you to respond directly to an interesting advertisement and increase your chances. Check the listings regularly; the market is dynamic!

Free Sector or Social Housing in Rotterdam: What Are the Options?

If you are looking for a rental home in Rotterdam, you will broadly encounter two types of rent: social housing and free sector housing. Social housing has a lower rent (below a determined threshold) and is offered by housing corporations. To qualify for this, your income must not be too high, and there are often long waiting lists. The chance of finding a home quickly in Rotterdam this way is small.

The majority of directly available rental properties fall into the free sector. The rent for these homes is above the liberalization threshold. There is no maximum income limit, but landlords often set minimum income requirements to ensure you can pay the rent (often a gross monthly income of 3 to 4 times the basic rent). The supply in the free sector is much larger and more diverse, from simple apartments to luxury houses. Platforms like HousingMatchers.nl primarily focus on this segment of free sector rental homes, where you can find a suitable home more quickly if you meet the conditions.

In Which Rotterdam Neighborhoods Will You Find the Nicest Rental Properties?

Rotterdam is full of fun, diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and type of rental properties. Where should you go?

  • Center: Busy, lively, everything nearby. Many apartments, often in high-rises or transformed office buildings. Prices here are higher. Streets like Gapersteeg are right in the middle.
  • Kop van Zuid / Katendrecht: Modern architecture, many (luxury) apartments with views. Hip, upcoming, with many restaurants and bars.
  • Kralingen: Chic neighborhood bordering the Kralingse Bos and the lake. Mix of stately mansions (often divided into apartments) and post-war homes. Popular, but also one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Rotterdam.
  • Blijdorp: Beloved, green, and child-friendly neighborhood north of the center. 1930s homes, many upper and lower-level homes (apartments).
  • Nieuwe Westen / Middelland: Lively, multicultural neighborhoods with many pre-war homes and apartments, often more spacious and slightly more affordable than the center.
  • Oude Noorden: Characterful, emerging neighborhood with a mix of old buildings and new construction projects. Many creative entrepreneurs and nice shops.
  • Overschie / Schiebroek: Greener, quieter neighborhoods further from the center, often with more single-family homes and more spacious apartments at a more favorable rent.
  • Rotterdam-Zuid (e.g., Zuidhoek, Feijenoord, Afrikaanderwijk): Developing neighborhoods, often more affordable, with a diverse range of homes and their own dynamic.

Explore the neighborhoods that appeal to you. Go cycling or walking to get a feel for the atmosphere. Check out the amenities and accessibility. Your ideal rental home might just be in a neighborhood you didn't know yet!

What Does a Rental Property in Rotterdam Cost on Average Per Month?

The rent of a rental property in Rotterdam strongly depends on location, size, type of home, and state of maintenance. On average, prices are lower than in Amsterdam, but Rotterdam is certainly not a cheap city to rent in.

Apartments Price Breakdown in Rotterdam

BedroomsAverageMedianPrice RangeAvailable
1
€1,372
€1,225€205 - €3,200
33
2
€1,772
€1,665€751 - €3,500
42
3
€2,291
€2,063€350 - €9,500
14
4+
€2,492
€2,450€1,500 - €3,750
5
1
33 available
Average
€1,372
Median€1,225
Price Range€205 - €3,200
2
42 available
Average
€1,772
Median€1,665
Price Range€751 - €3,500
3
14 available
Average
€2,291
Median€2,063
Price Range€350 - €9,500
4+
5 available
Average
€2,492
Median€2,450
Price Range€1,500 - €3,750
Prices are based on current market data and may vary

When comparing rent, pay close attention to what is included. Is the price bare, or does it include service costs, water, heating (gas/district heating), and/or internet? This can make a big difference in what you ultimately pay per month. The height of the rent is also influenced by the popularity of the neighborhood; homes in the center or Kralingen are generally the most expensive. Use the filters on HousingMatchers.nl to find properties within your specific budget and set your maximum rent realistically. Also, keep in mind the deposit, which is often one or two months' basic rent that you must pay in advance.

Who Will You Deal With? Landlords and Real Estate Agents in Rotterdam

When you are looking for a rental home in Rotterdam, you will communicate with the provider. This can be the owner of the property (a private landlord) or a professional party such as a property manager or a rental agent. Many owners choose to outsource the rental of their property in Rotterdam to a real estate agent. This agent then handles the entire process: from creating the advertisement and selecting candidates to viewings and drafting the contract.

For you as a home seeker, it doesn't matter much who the provider is, as long as the party is reliable. A real estate agent can ensure a streamlined process, while a private landlord can sometimes be a bit more flexible. Important: a real estate agent acting on behalf of the landlord is not allowed to charge you as a tenant any fees (commission or intermediation costs) for finding the property. Platforms like HousingMatchers.nl bring together the offerings of various reliable landlords and agents, giving you a good overview of who rents what.

From Viewing to Contract: The Process of Renting a Home in Rotterdam

Suppose you have found an interesting rental property in Rotterdam via HousingMatchers.nl, and your response has led to an invitation for a viewing. What now? Be well prepared! Make sure you are on time and make a good first impression. If necessary, bring important documents or have them ready digitally. During the viewing, critically examine the condition of the property, ask questions about the rent, service costs, neighbors, and the neighborhood.

If you like the property, let them know quickly. Usually, you have to fill out an online form and provide your details (income, job, etc.). The landlord or agent assesses the applications and selects a suitable tenant who meets the stated conditions. If you are the lucky one, you will receive the rental agreement. This is a crucial moment: read the contract very carefully! Check all details: rent, deposit, start date, term, maintenance agreements, house rules. Only when everything is clear and agreed upon, do you sign. After paying the first month's rent and the deposit, you will receive the keys to your new rental home in Rotterdam.

Tips to Find Your Suitable Rental Home in Rotterdam Faster

The Rotterdam rental market can be competitive. These tips will increase your chances of finding that suitable rental home:

  • Start Immediately: Begin your active search as soon as you know you want to move.
  • Use Alerts: Set up search queries with email alerts on HousingMatchers.nl. Speed is essential.
  • Be Flexible: Be open to different neighborhoods and types of homes. Also, consider Overschie or just outside Rotterdam.
  • Complete Profile: Ensure you have a clear and complete profile, including correct income details.
  • Respond Personally: Write a short, polite motivation when responding to an advertisement.
  • Prepare Documents: Keep payslips, employer statements, etc., digitally ready.
  • Realistic Budget: Know your maximum rent and search specifically within that budget.
  • Network: Let friends and colleagues know you are looking for a rental home.
  • Be Reliable: Keep appointments and communicate clearly with the landlord or agent.

What to Pay Attention to When Renting in Rotterdam?

When renting a home in Rotterdam, you enter into an agreement. It is important that you are aware of the basic rules and the specific conditions in your contract. Check the rent structure (bare vs. inclusive). Check the rules regarding the annual rent increase (there is a legal maximum, even in the free sector). Make sure you know how long the contract runs (fixed-term or indefinite) and what the notice period is.

As a tenant, you have rights that protect you. The municipality of Rotterdam also has information and reporting points for tenants. By being well-informed about the rent and conditions, you avoid problems and can live peacefully in your new rental home.

Ready to Rent in Rotterdam?

View the current listings of rental properties in Rotterdam directly and find your new home.

View Listings in Rotterdam

Key points to remember for your search for a rental home in Rotterdam:

  • Preparation: Determine your budget, wishes, and gather your documents.
  • Speed & Alerts: Respond immediately to new rental properties and use search alerts on HousingMatchers.nl.
  • Flexibility: Be open to diverse neighborhoods (also outside the center of Rotterdam) and housing types (not just an apartment).
  • Platforms & Filters: Use HousingMatchers.nl and the filters optimally to search the offerings. Check the listings regularly.