Finding student housing in Amsterdam is one of the most competitive housing challenges in the Netherlands. For many students, particularly those arriving from abroad, the process comes with an additional hurdle: the guarantor requirement.
Landlords who rent to students often ask for a guarantor because students typically do not earn enough to meet the standard income threshold on their own. Understanding how a guarantor works, who qualifies, and what options exist if you do not have one can make the difference between securing a home and losing it.
This guide is written for both students and their parents, because in most cases, it is the parents who end up signing as guarantor.
What Is a Guarantor?
A guarantor (borgsteller or garantsteller in Dutch) is a person who takes on financial responsibility for the tenant if the tenant fails to pay rent or causes damage. If the student cannot pay, the guarantor is legally obligated to step in and cover the costs.
This is a significant legal commitment, not a formality. The guarantor’s name appears in the rental contract, and by signing, they accept full financial liability for the duration of the tenancy.
Before You Sign as Guarantor
A guarantor declaration is a legally binding document. Read the full contract carefully before signing, including the total rent amount, the contract duration, and the conditions under which you can be held liable. If anything is unclear, ask the letting agent or seek legal advice before committing.
When Do Landlords Require a Guarantor?
Not every landlord will ask for a guarantor, but it is common in the following situations:
- The tenant is a student without sufficient personal income
- The tenant’s income does not meet the standard 3x monthly rent requirement
- The tenant has recently started a job and has limited income history
- The tenant is young and has no rental history or credit references
- The tenant is an international student without Dutch financial documentation
For most full-time students in Amsterdam, a guarantor is not optional. It is a requirement. Most landlords accept a parent or close family member in this role, regardless of whether they live in the Netherlands.
Who Can Be a Guarantor?
Most landlords have clear requirements for who they will accept. Here is a practical overview:
| Typically accepted as guarantor | Typically not accepted as guarantor |
|---|---|
| Parent or legal guardian | Another student or someone without sufficient income |
| Close family member with sufficient income | Someone already acting as guarantor on another active contract |
| Someone living abroad, including outside the Netherlands | Someone with outstanding debts or a poor credit history |
| A person with a permanent employment contract | A company or organisation in most private rental situations |
| Someone who earns at least 3x the monthly rent themselves |
What Documents Does a Guarantor Need to Provide?
The guarantor will typically need to submit the following documents alongside the tenant’s rental application:
- Valid passport or EU ID card
- Recent payslips (last 1 to 3 months) showing sufficient income
- Employer statement (werkgeversverklaring) confirming employment and salary
- Bank statements showing financial stability
- Signed guarantor declaration (borgstellingsverklaring): usually provided by the landlord or agent
If the guarantor lives abroad, the same documents apply. Translated copies may be required depending on the landlord. Ask the letting agent in advance what they need for the specific property.
What If You Do Not Have a Guarantor?
Not every student has a parent or family member who can serve as guarantor, particularly international students whose families are abroad or who come from countries with different financial structures. There are a few alternatives worth exploring:
- Higher deposit: some landlords accept a larger deposit, two to three months instead of one, in place of a guarantor
- Prepaying several months of rent: offering to pay three or six months upfront gives landlords the financial security they need
- Student-specific housing platforms: some have different requirements or built-in guarantee schemes
- University housing: many Amsterdam universities have their own student accommodation that does not require a private guarantor
Hendriks Housing Tip
Be upfront about your situation from the start. Applying for a property without a guarantor when one is required, while hoping it will not come up, almost always results in rejection. A good letting agent matches you to landlords whose requirements suit your profile.
How Hendriks Housing Helps Students
We work with students and young professionals looking for housing in Amsterdam and the wider region. We know which landlords are open to student tenants with a guarantor, and we know how to present your application and your guarantor’s profile in the strongest possible way.
Whether you are arriving in Amsterdam for your studies or helping your child find their first home in the Netherlands, we offer a free personal intake and guide you through every step of the process.
| What Hendriks Housing offers for students: A free intake to assess your situation and search requirements. Guidance on guarantor documentation and what landlords expect. Matching to properties and landlords that fit your profile. Support throughout the application, contract review and key handover. |
