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Expats at A1–B1 Dutch attending a rental viewing in the Netherlands · NL

Dutch questions to ask at a rental viewing

At a busy viewing, a useful question is specific enough to get a factual answer. Prepare questions about the amount, what is included, the condition of the home and the next step. This is language practice, not housing or legal advice; verify every agreement in the documents you receive.

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Published 10 Sept 2026 · Editor: Flalingo

Read it once. Then take one role.

A complete Dutch exchange

Rent and included costs

Use u with an agent or landlord at first. Ask separate questions so basic rent and other charges do not blur together.

Kijker

Kunt u uitleggen wat er bij de maandprijs is inbegrepen?

Could you explain what is included in the monthly price?

Makelaar

De kale huur is vijftienhonderd euro. De servicekosten zijn apart.

The basic rent is fifteen hundred euros. The service charges are separate.

Kijker

Hoe hoog zijn de servicekosten en waar zijn die voor?

How much are the service charges and what are they for?

Makelaar

Honderdtwintig euro per maand, onder meer voor de gemeenschappelijke ruimte.

One hundred and twenty euros per month, including for the common area.

Kijker

Zijn gas, water en elektriciteit daar ook bij inbegrepen?

Are gas, water and electricity also included?

Makelaar

Nee, daarvoor sluit de huurder zelf contracten af.

No, the tenant arranges those contracts.

Notice: Kale huur means basic rent before service costs. Asking waar zijn die voor? requests the breakdown without making an accusation.

Condition and next steps

Point to a visible issue, describe it neutrally and ask what will happen before the start date.

Kijker

Ik zie vocht bij dit raam. Weet u wat de oorzaak is?

I see moisture near this window. Do you know what the cause is?

Verhuurder

Dat wordt nog onderzocht.

That is still being investigated.

Kijker

Wordt het vóór de ingangsdatum hersteld?

Will it be repaired before the start date?

Verhuurder

Ik kan dat nu niet toezeggen, maar ik vraag het na.

I cannot promise that now, but I will check.

Kijker

Dank u. Krijg ik het antwoord en de voorwaarden per e-mail?

Thank you. Will I receive the answer and the conditions by email?

Verhuurder

Ja. Als u interesse heeft, kunt u vanavond reageren.

Yes. If you are interested, you can respond this evening.

Notice: Wordt … hersteld? focuses on the repair. Kunt u dat schriftelijk bevestigen? is useful for any material promise.

Keep the structure. Change the detail.

Useful phrases

Wat is de kale huur per maand?

What is the basic monthly rent?

Kale huur excludes service costs.

Welke kosten komen daar nog bij?

Which costs are added to that?

A broad follow-up after the quoted rent.

Hoe lang is de huurperiode?

How long is the rental period?

Ask, then inspect the written agreement.

Wie regelt het onderhoud van …?

Who handles the maintenance of …?

Finish with heating, windows or another specific item.

Wordt dit nog gerepareerd?

Will this still be repaired?

Point to or name the defect.

Kunt u dit per e-mail bevestigen?

Could you confirm this by email?

Useful after an important verbal answer.

Repair the sentence

Common mistakes and clearer alternatives

Avoid

Is inclusief?

Use

Is dit bij de huur inbegrepen?

The full question identifies what may be included.
Avoid

Hoeveel kost de huur met alles?

Use

Wat is de kale huur en welke kosten komen erbij?

Two precise parts make the answer easier to compare.
Avoid

Jullie fixen dit, ja?

Use

Wordt dit vóór de ingangsdatum gerepareerd?

The neutral passive asks about the plan without sounding confrontational.

Make it fit your situation

Two useful adaptations

You need the answer in writing

Ik wil dit graag goed begrijpen. Kunt u de bedragen en afspraken mailen?

I would like to understand this properly. Could you email the amounts and agreements?

A calm reason plus a concrete request.

Several people are waiting

Ik heb nog twee korte vragen: over de servicekosten en over het onderhoud.

I have two short questions left: about the service charges and maintenance.

Signposting respects the pace while keeping your priorities visible.

Your turn

Say a version that belongs to you

Build your four-question viewing card

Choose four questions you can ask while standing in the home.

  1. Say the basic-rent question with the actual advertised amount.
  2. Ask what is included and name one utility.
  3. Describe one imagined defect with Ik zie …
  4. Ask who repairs it and by when.
  5. Close by requesting written confirmation.
This exercise does not submit or save your draft.
Self-check after you speak

Common questions

Before you practise

Is direct questioning rude in Dutch?

Clear questions are normal in a viewing. A greeting, kunt u and a neutral tone keep them polite.

Can I rely on a spoken promise?

This guide cannot assess an agreement. Ask for material amounts, conditions and repair promises in writing and review the contract.

What if I only have time for three questions?

Prioritise total monthly costs, contract duration and any condition or repair that matters to you.

Checked context

Sources

  • Rented housing

    Checked 10 Sept 2026 · Tenancy agreements cover rent, duration, maintenance and house rules; tenants and landlords have different maintenance responsibilities.

  • Step-by-step plan for tenants

    Checked 10 Sept 2026 · Prospective tenants should distinguish rent, deposit and service costs and review written information from the landlord.