The rental price you see in the advertisement generally excludes the price of the utilities. It means that the cost of the utilities such as electricity, gas, water and internet will lay on you. In some cases, the cost of the utilities can be included in the rental price. Unless this is specifically mentioned, it is safer to assume that the cost of the utilities are excluded.****

Gas & Electricity

In the Netherlands, regional companies are responsible for energy transportation. Gas and electricity are both supplied by the same provider.

In most cases, gas & electricity will already be available in your apartment, and you will have to transfer accounts to your name. However, the power is switched off usually within 14 days when the previous occupants close their account. Therefore, it is crucial to arrange gas and electricity in your new apartment quickly.

Once you have your gas & electricity, you pay monthly installments directly to your energy supplier based on expected annual energy costs. Occasionally, in short-term, furnished apartments landlord will pay energy costs on your behalf.

<aside> ⚡ The amount you pay each month is not necessarily the actual cost. If you use more electricity than indicated, you will have to pay extra at the end of the year; if less, the difference will be refunded after the supplier has calculated the final amount.****

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Gas vs District heating.

The price for consumption is different depending on whether your apartment/house is heated by gas or by district heating. District heating tends to be more expensive. The reason being is there is a minimum cost for district heating even if you don’t use any of it.

Please use the chart below only as an indication. This is the average for a typical Dutch household. Keep in mind that it’s standard in the Netherlands to keep heating at 20 degrees. If you increase the room temperature, especially putting it at 25-26, your monthly consumption can be as high as 400-500eur for winter months. Similarly type of the house and the insulation play a big role in heat distribution.

Gas and District heating

Electricity

Water

Most accommodation is already connected to the water supply of the drinking water provider. Although you can choose your energy provider, you cannot choose your water supplier. Each city has its provider - in Amsterdam, Waternet. The water can be used immediately and the water meter in your apartment measures consumption.

Internet