Rental homes in Den Haag

Den Haag (The Hague) is the seat of the Dutch government and a thoroughly international city: ministries, embassies, the House of Representatives and organisations such as Europol and the International Criminal Court attract large numbers of expats and professionals. That inflow keeps demand for rental homes, especially furnished private-sector apartments, structurally high. Den Haag is also the only major city directly on the coast, which makes homes near Scheveningen and the Statenkwartier extra desirable.

The rental market is tight, but on average still a little more accessible than Amsterdam. Supply comes from dozens of rental sites, expat agents and housing corporations, and it changes fast. HuurScanner gathers that supply in one place and sends an alert the moment something new appears, so you no longer have to visit separate websites and can be among the first to respond.

Popular neighbourhoods in Den Haag

Den Haag has a strongly varied character from one neighbourhood to the next, from elegant avenues to lively, multicultural districts.

• Statenkwartier and Zeeheldenkwartier — chic, close to the sea and the centre; favoured by expats and senior civil servants.
• Archipelbuurt and Benoordenhout — green, spacious and stately, with many ground-access homes.
• Bezuidenhout and Centrum — close to Den Haag Centraal station and the ministries, practical for commuters.
• Regentessekwartier and Valkenboskwartier — lively and relatively affordable, popular with young starters.
• Scheveningen — living by the sea; busy in summer, with a mix of apartments and short-stay.
• Laak, Transvaal and Schilderswijk — the most affordable parts of the city, close to the centre.
• Leidschenveen-Ypenburg — spacious new-build on the edge of the city, conveniently located between Den Haag and the A12 motorway.

Commuters benefit from two intercity stations (Centraal and Hollands Spoor) and a fine-grained tram and RandstadRail network towards Delft, Rotterdam and Leiden.

Rental prices in Den Haag

Den Haag sits at the top end of the Netherlands for rental prices, but on average below Amsterdam. In the private (free) sector you pay roughly € 1,100 to € 1,900 per month for an apartment, depending on neighbourhood, size and condition. Studios and small apartments often start around € 900 to € 1,200. Furnished expat homes in sought-after neighbourhoods are clearly higher.

For social housing below the rent-control threshold, long waiting times apply through Woonnet Haaglanden; expect many years of registration. Anyone who needs something at short notice is usually dependent on the private sector.

Since the Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur, 2024), the points system (WWS) has been extended to the mid-market segment, so a share of homes now has a capped maximum rent. When comparing, look not only at the basic rent but also at the service charges and the way the home is let. If you doubt the price, run a rent check with the Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal). The deposit may be no more than twice the basic monthly rent.

Den Haag as an international city

The international inflow leaves a clear mark on the Den Haag rental market. Around the ministries, embassies and international organisations, demand for furnished apartments and short-stay is high, with its own segment of expat agents.

• Statenkwartier, Benoordenhout and the centre are favourites among internationals for their location and amenities, which pushes prices there up.
• A lot of letting goes through specialised agencies; note that they may not charge you, the tenant, any agency (mediation) fees if they also represent the landlord.
• A diplomatic clause (diplomatenclausule) in the rental contract is common and gives both parties extra options to terminate; read your contract carefully.

If you do not have an international relocation budget, it pays to look just outside the most sought-after neighbourhoods, or in surrounding municipalities such as Rijswijk, Voorburg and Delft, which are well connected by tram and RandstadRail.

Finding a rental home in Den Haag faster

In a tight market where good homes go fast, preparation and speed make the difference:

1. Set up a search profile with your neighbourhood, maximum rent and minimum number of rooms, so you only receive matching alerts.
2. Keep your documents ready. A short introduction message, a recent payslip or employer's statement, and a copy of your ID with the BSN masked.
3. Respond in full and immediately. Viewings are often scheduled the same day.
4. Widen your search area to Laak, the Regentessekwartier, Ypenburg or surrounding municipalities such as Rijswijk, Voorburg and Delft, often roomier and more affordable with good connections.

With HuurScanner you get the combined supply of all the major rental sites in Den Haag in a single overview, plus an alert the moment something new appears. That way you respond among the first instead of among the last.

Frequently asked questions about renting in Den Haag