FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the down-payment for the Housing Placement Assistance service and what happens if no match is found?
To secure the Housing Placement Assistance service, a down-payment is required at the time of booking. This down-payment demonstrates your commitment to the service and initiates the search process. The remaining balance is to be paid once the tenancy agreement is ready for signature.
In the event that we are unable to find a suitable match within the given time-frame, the down-payment will be fully reimbursed to you. Our no match, no fee policy ensures that you are not financially obligated if we are unable to find suitable accommodation for you.
What are the (down-)payment terms for (group) bookings?
Irrespective of the group size, an initial down payment will be required. For a single student, the down payment will amount to €250. For groups of two students, the down payment will be €400 in total. For groups of three students, the down payment will be €600 in total. The remaining balance will be invoiced separately upon the identification of a suitable offer, along with the provision of a tenancy agreement for signing.
Payment breakdown based on group size:
- For one student: €1250,00 EUR per person (remainder €1000 after down-payment)
- For two students: €900,00 EUR per person (remainder €700 p/p after down-payment)
- For three students: €750,00 EUR per person (remainder €550 p/p after down-payment)
Please note that currently we only accept assignments for groups of up to 3 students.
What does 'joining a group' mean?
When we ask if you are comfortable joining a group to find housing, it means you will share an apartment and tenancy agreement with others.
The entire group is equally responsible for the tenancy agreement. It is important to agree as a group on who takes which room at which price. Please note that the tenancy agreement for the entire apartment will be in your collective names, not individual room tenancy agreements.
In some cases, certain apartments are not available for individual room rentals but can be rented as a group. Therefore, we ask if you are open to joining a group to increase the chances of finding suitable accommodation. Our team can offer guidance and mediate the process, but ultimately, the group makes the decision collectively. This approach ensures compliance with legal regulations for apartment rentals as a group.
What is the minimum budget requirement for your Housing Placement Assistance service?
To ensure the efficiency of our Housing Placement Assistance service, we’ve established specific budget guidelines. For rooms in a shared apartment, a minimum budget of 850 EUR per month is recommended. Studios typically require a budget of at least 1500 EUR per month. If you’re considering a two-bedroom apartment, it’s advisable to budget around 1900 EUR per month, while a three-bedroom apartment may require approximately 2400 EUR per month. Please be aware that these figures do not include additional expenses such as gas, water, electricity, and internet.
While these are recommendations, we do accept bookings with budgets below these thresholds. However, it’s important to understand that with lower budgets, finding suitable accommodations can be more challenging. A constrained budget may limit our ability to secure housing options, especially during high-demand periods and in today’s competitive housing market.
If you choose to book our Housing Placement Assistance service with a lower budget and we are unable to find suitable housing due to budget constraints, we may charge an administration fee to cover transaction costs associated with receiving and refunding the down-payment. You can find more details about this in our ‘No Cure No Pay Policy’.
It’s worth noting that our services operate on a “no cure, no pay” basis, meaning we are compensated only upon successfully securing accommodation for you. Our primary aim is to present you with realistic options that align with current market conditions, increasing your chances of finding suitable housing.
Why do you ask for an excl. budget regarding the rent price?
We request an excluding (excl.) budget for rent because including all utilities in the budget is not practical. In the Netherlands, landlords and agencies are prohibited from making a profit on service costs. Instead, you pay the actual costs, which vary based on the agency, utility provider, and your individual usage. Your utility costs depend on how much you consume – the more you use, the higher the cost, and vice versa.
Towards the end of your stay or rental period (whichever comes first), you will receive an end-calibration that outlines your usage. If you’ve used more, you’ll need to cover the additional expense. Conversely, if you’ve used less, you’ll receive a refund. This system ensures a fair distribution of utility costs. Hence, we work with an excluding budget to accurately reflect the costs associated with both rent and utilities.
What is the timeframe for finding housing?
Our standard service includes a 4-week timeframe for finding you suitable housing. If we are unable to secure accommodation within this period, you will be refunded the paid fee. This reflects our no cure, no pay policy, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind throughout the process.
If you require housing more urgently, we offer expedited options with the following additional fees:
– Within 3 weeks: +150 EUR
– Within 2 weeks: +300 EUR
– Within 1 week: +1000 EURHow does the "No Cure, No Pay" policy work?
Our ‘No Cure, No Pay’ policy guarantees that you only incur charges for our services when we successfully locate suitable accommodation for you. If, despite your HPA booking meeting our minimum requirements, we are unable to secure a fitting housing option within the agreed-upon timeframe, no fees will be applied. This policy underscores our dedication to your contentment and aims to offer you assurance throughout your housing search. For further information regarding the details, kindly consult our ‘No Cure, No Pay Policy’.
What is the success rate with a Housing Placement Assistance?
The success rate in finding housing varies based on the individual’s budget and specific requirements. Generally, the higher the budget and the more flexible the requirements, the higher the likelihood of finding suitable housing.
Do I need proof of enrollment before I can start booking Housing Placement Assistance?
No, proof of enrollment is not required at the time of booking Housing Placement Assistance. You will need to provide proof of enrollment before you check-in to the accommodation. This ensures that you meet the necessary criteria for student housing. Please make sure to have your proof of enrollment ready before your scheduled check-in date.
How do I get started with Student Housing Hunter?
Getting started with Student Housing Hunter is quick and easy. Simply visit our website and explore the range of services we offer. You can choose between our ‘Housing Placement Assistance’ or our ‘Housing Consult’ service, depending on your specific needs. Once you’ve made your selection, follow the prompts to complete the necessary steps, such as providing your preferences, budget, and desired location. Our team will then be in touch to guide you through the process and assist you in finding your ideal student accommodation.
What types of student accommodations do you offer?
We offer a variety of student accommodations to cater to different preferences and budgets. Our portfolio includes furnished apartments, shared housing, private studios, and student residences. We understand that each student has unique requirements, so we strive to provide a diverse range of options to meet those needs. Whether you’re looking for a cozy studio or a spacious shared apartment, we have accommodation choices that are tailored to your preferences.
When filling in the Housing Placement Assistance booking, you have the opportunity to provide us with your specific requirements. However, please bear in mind that the more requirements you have, the more challenging it may be to find suitable accommodation.
How does Student Housing Hunter find their accommodations?
At Student Housing Hunter, we employ various strategies to source accommodations for our clients. We have established commercial agreements with different real estate agencies, where we handle the preselection process for specific properties. This arrangement benefits both parties involved. The agencies often have a high workload and outsource this task to us, or we actively search for landlords and refer them to these agencies. These are examples of the commercial partnerships we have with these agencies. It’s important to note that the agencies do not pay us for these services; instead, we are compensated by the individuals seeking housing. However, we do occasionally provide payment to the agencies for promotional activities or for referring new clients. We believe in transparency and are happy to share our approach to ensure clarity in our operations.
What if I don't like the offered accommodation?
Our team is committed to finding accommodations that meet your specific requirements as mentioned in your Housing Placement Assistance booking. However, if you are not satisfied with the offered accommodation, even though it meets all the mentioned criteria, we recommend booking a new Housing Placement Assistance and providing updated housing requirements. This will enable us to find alternative options that better align with your preferences.
What is the timeframe for accepting an accommodation offer?
We kindly ask that you make a decision as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours but utmost within 72 hours, once you receive an accommodation offer. Accommodations can be in high demand, and prompt action will help ensure that you secure your preferred option. It is important to note that we cannot hold accommodations for an extended period of time, so timely decision-making is essential. By confirming your decision within the specified timeframe, we can proceed with the necessary arrangements and ensure a smooth transition for your housing arrangements.
What is included in the Housing Consult service?
Our Housing Consult service is designed to provide you with expert guidance and valuable insights to navigate the housing market effectively. It includes personalized advice tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Our experienced team will provide you with comprehensive information on how to find suitable housing, tips for optimizing your search, and guidance on important aspects such as the rental process, point system, and tenant rights. Additionally, we will share case studies and real-life examples to further enhance your understanding. With our Housing Consult service, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions and find the perfect student accommodation.”
How do I schedule a Housing Consult appointment?
To schedule a Housing Consult appointment, simply fill out the contact form with your name and preferred date and time for the consultation. Our team will promptly get in touch with you to confirm the appointment. Alternatively, you can also reach us by phone or email to schedule your consultation. We are here to assist you and look forward to helping you with our expert Housing Consult service!