Accommodation in The Hague

While The Hague may not be as diverse as Amsterdam, it’s still home to large expat communities, and it’s not uncommon to find people from a variety of different ethnic backgrounds and cultures living alongside each other in the city.

There are a number of accommodation options available to suit your needs, but demand is remarkably high, which has also driven up prices. Due to the short-term nature of most assignments, you may opt to rent rather than buy property in The Hague.

Areas and suburbs in The Hague

The Hague is the capital of South Holland and combines cultural heritage, modern conveniences, and green spaces. Its districts range from bustling urban centres to peaceful suburbs, making it suitable for various lifestyles. 

Centrum is a vibrant area that offers historical charm and modern amenities. With attractions like museums, bars, and cultural landmarks, Centrum is ideal if you thrive in a lively urban environment. Scheveningen is famous for its beachfront lifestyle and provides scenic views, water sports, and a lively boulevard. It’s particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and families. Haagse Hout is known for spacious homes and abundant green spaces; appeals to families and professionals. It’s home to the Haagse Bos, a large forest providing tranquillity in the city.

Read more about the Best (and Worst) Places to Live in The Hague.

Types of accommodation in The Hague

If you're from a part of the world with big homes, it may take some adjusting to get used to the types of accommodation in The Hague. As space and housing stock are limited, most people live in apartments or row houses as opposed to standalone properties.

Most homes in The Hague come with a balcony, and ground-floor housing units may have access to a small garden, but it’s difficult to find places with designated parking spots, so if you own a car, you’ll need to look into renting a bay at an additional cost. That said, there are a host of transport options for getting around in The Hague, which makes owning a car unessential.

Well-off expats often rent luxury spacious flats or serviced apartments. These fully-furnished spaces usually come equipped with all the services and amenities of a hotel – including cleaning services, gym facilities and on-site restaurants – and the privacy of an apartment. Serviced apartments can be found throughout The Hague and are oriented to business travellers and expats on short-term stays in the city.

Although expat-oriented accommodation or housing designed for students may have some furnishings, such as major appliances and beds, many properties come unfurnished in The Hague. You’ll need to invest in some furniture, whether you buy it brand new or second-hand, to make your space feel like home.

Finding accommodation in The Hague

To navigate The Hague’s housing market, start with reliable property portals like Pararius, Funda, and Woonnet Haaglanden. These platforms provide comprehensive listings for both long- and short-term rentals.

Real estate agents can streamline the process, offering multilingual support and vetted properties. Be prepared to pay a fee, usually equivalent to one month’s rent. For a personalised approach, relocation firms handle everything from visa applications to utilities setup but come at a premium.

Networking through expat groups or social media can also uncover hidden opportunities. Remember to stay cautious and verify listings to avoid scams.

Read more about Relocation Companies in the Netherlands.

Useful links

• Pararius
• Funda
• Woonnet Haaglanden

Renting accommodation in The Hague

When renting accommodation in The Hague, ensure you understand what is included in your contract. Whether furnished or unfurnished, confirm the details before signing.

Making an application

To apply, you’ll likely need a BSN (burgerservicenummer), proof of income, and identification. Preparing these documents in advance will streamline the process.

Leases

You will either sign a fixed-period or indefinite tenancy agreement. Fixed-term contracts typically last 6 to 12 months, while indefinite leases have no end date. Check notice periods carefully, and if signing a fixed-term lease, request a clause for early termination in specific situations.

Ensure your lease is in writing and signed by all parties. Verbal agreements can be legally binding but are harder to prove. A written lease provides clarity on responsibilities and expectations.

Deposits

Security deposits usually range from one to three months’ rent. To protect your deposit, conduct a thorough inspection upon move-in and document the property’s condition. An inventory list can help avoid disputes when you move out.

Terminating the lease

When ending your lease, adhere to the agreed notice period. Leave the property in its original condition to ensure a full deposit refund.

Read more about Renting Accommodation in the Netherlands.

Utilities in The Hague

Utilities are generally your responsibility as a tenant. Familiarise yourself with waste collection schedules and recycling rules. Many neighbourhoods have designated bins for paper, plastic, and general waste, making it easy to manage household waste responsibly.

Electricity and gas

The Netherlands has a liberalised energy market, allowing you to choose from a variety of providers. Popular options include Eneco, Vattenfall, Essent, and Greenchoice, with smaller, eco-friendly providers like Vandebron and Pure Energie also available.

To set up electricity and gas services, visit your chosen provider’s website or contact their customer service. Provide your personal details, address, and move-in date. Record the initial meter readings upon moving in to avoid being billed for previous usage.

Most providers offer fixed- and variable-rate plans, letting you decide between stability and flexibility. Payments are typically made monthly via direct debit, with annual adjustments based on your actual consumption.

Water

Water in The Hague is supplied by Dunea, renowned for its clean and safe drinking water. Water usage is metered; you’ll typically receive quarterly bills based on your consumption. Payments can be made through direct debit, online banking, or manual transfer. 

Tap water in The Hague is of excellent quality, meets high EU standards, and requires no additional filtration for drinking. For those concerned about water hardness, which is moderately high in The Hague, consider using filters or water softeners to reduce limescale buildup in appliances.

Bins and recycling

The Hague has a detailed and efficient waste management system. Bins are colour-coded to make sorting straightforward:

• Grey or Black Bins: General waste that cannot be recycled.
• Green Bins: Organic waste, including food scraps and garden waste.
• Blue Bins: Paper and cardboard.
• Orange Bins: Plastic packaging, metal, and drink cartons.

Glass recycling is managed separately through green glass containers located throughout neighbourhoods. These are easy to spot and accept all glass types except ceramics or mirrors.

Collection schedules vary depending on your location. General waste is collected every one to two weeks, while recycling collections, such as paper and PMD, occur bi-weekly or monthly. Organic waste pickups are more frequent in the warmer months. To find your schedule, use the municipality’s Afvalkalender by entering your postcode. Apps like Mijn Afvalwijzer also provide reminders and updates.

Recycling centres (milieuparken) in The Hague accept special waste, including electronics, batteries, and hazardous materials like paint or chemicals. Facilities like Plutostraat 1 and De Werf make it convenient to dispose of these responsibly.

For bulky waste, such as furniture or large appliances, book a free municipal collection through the website or customer service. Items can also be dropped off at recycling centres. Be mindful of disposal rules to avoid fines.

Useful links

• Eneco, Vattenfall, Essent, Greenchoice, Vandebron, Pure Energie
• Dunea
• Recycling in The Hague