Rental cover letter for the Netherlands: 5 examples
Many Dutch landlords and agents ask you to introduce yourself when you reply to a listing. A short, complete message helps you get invited to a viewing. Here is what to include, five examples you can adapt, and how to respond quickly.
Team HubSnap · Updated 8 October 2026 · 5 min read
What to put in a letter to a landlord
Landlords often receive dozens of replies. Keep your letter to five to ten sentences and answer the questions they will have anyway:
- Who will live there: you alone, with a partner, with children, a pet.
- Work or study: your employer or university, and the type of contract.
- Income: your gross monthly income or that you meet the income requirement. Mention a guarantor if you have one.
- Move-in date and rental period you are looking for.
- That your documents are ready: ID, payslips, employer's statement, landlord reference.
- Why this home: one specific sentence about the location or the home itself.
Leave out long life stories and do not send copies of your passport before you have seen the home. If you are asked for ID, share a watermarked copy (see how to spot a rental scam).
5 example letters you can adapt
Replace the parts in square brackets with your own details. Keep the tone friendly and factual.
Dear [name], I am interested in the apartment at [address] and would love to come to a viewing. I am [age], work full-time as a [job] at [employer] on a permanent contract, and earn [gross monthly income] gross per month. I am looking for a home from [date] for the long term. I do not smoke and have no pets. My payslips, employer's statement and a reference from my current landlord are ready to send. I am available for a viewing on [days/times]. Thank you for considering my application. Kind regards, [name] – [phone number]
Dear [name], My partner and I would like to apply for the home at [address]. We are a family of [number], with [number] children aged [ages]. The neighbourhood suits us because [school/work nearby]. I work as a [job] at [employer] and my partner as a [job] at [employer]. Together we earn [combined gross monthly income] gross per month. We would like to move in from [date] and plan to stay for many years. All documents are ready. We can come to a viewing on [days/times]. Kind regards, [names] – [phone number]
Dear [name], I am responding to the apartment at [address]. I am [age] and looking for a home on one level, close to shops and public transport, which this apartment offers. My income consists of my state pension (AOW) and a pension from [fund], together [gross monthly income] gross per month. I have rented my current home for [number] years and can provide a reference from my landlord. I would like to move from [date]. I am available for a viewing at any time that suits you. Kind regards, [name] – [phone number]
Hi [name], I saw your room at [address] and would really like to come and meet you. I am [age], study [programme] at [university] (year [x]) and am looking for a room from [date] until at least [date]. My rent is paid from [student finance / part-time job / parents], and my parents can act as guarantors. I am tidy, like cooking and would enjoy being part of the house. I am free for a viewing or house evening on [days]. Best, [name] – [phone number]
Dear [name], I am relocating to [city] for a position as [job] at [employer], starting on [date], and I am very interested in the apartment at [address]. I have a [permanent/fixed-term] employment contract with a gross monthly salary of [amount]. My employer's statement and contract are available, and I will register at the municipality as soon as I move in. I am currently abroad but can join a live video viewing, or visit in person on [dates]. Kind regards, [name] – [phone number, with country code]
Many Dutch landlords appreciate a short message in Dutch. The Dutch version of this guide has the same five examples in Dutch.
How to reply to a rental listing
- Reply as soon as you can. Many agents only invite the first group of people who respond. Alerts for new listings help here.
- Use the channel the listing asks for: the form on the portal, email or a phone call.
- Write a clear subject line, for example: "Viewing request [address] – 2 adults, available from 1 December".
- Attach documents only when asked, or say they are ready to send.
- Follow up once by phone a day or two later if you have not heard back.
- Keep track of where you applied, so you know who to follow up with.
Common mistakes
- Sending the same generic message without the address or any detail about the home.
- Leaving out income or the move-in date, so the landlord has to ask.
- Writing a full page. Landlords skim.
- Sending a passport scan without a watermark to someone you have not met.
Write your letter with HubSnap
Frequently asked questions
It is not required by law, but many landlords and agents ask you to introduce yourself when you reply to a listing. A short, complete message helps you stand out.
Follow the language of the listing. A short message in Dutch is often appreciated, but English is common in cities with many international residents.
Five to ten sentences: who will live there, work or study, income, move-in date, that your documents are ready, and when you can view the home.
Yes, briefly. Most landlords check income against the rent, so stating your gross monthly income or that you meet the requirement saves a round of questions.
Yes. The HubSnap app can generate a personal letter for a listing in Dutch or English. The free plan includes one AI cover letter a month.
These examples are a starting point. Adapt them to your situation and the listing.