As a tenant, you want to spend as little money as possible on your housing costs. The good news is that there are several ways to save money on your rental costs. In this article we discuss a number of tips and tricks that you as a tenant can apply to save money on your housing costs.
1. Compare rental prices
Rental prices can differ greatly per district and per city. Compare rental prices in different neighborhoods and cities and see which areas are the most affordable. On Huurwoningen.NET you can easily compare all rental prices.
2. Choose a smaller house
Choose a smaller house if you live alone or if you are a couple. A smaller house means a lower rental price and also a lower energy bill. You also need less stuff to furnish a smaller house.
3. Negotiate the rental price
Negotiate the rental price when renting a new home. If you are already a tenant and you already have a lease, negotiating the rent is more difficult. But if you have a good relationship with your landlord, it might be possible to lower the rent.
4. Opt for a longer rental period
If you opt for a longer rental period, for example for two or three years, this can be cheaper than a rental period of one year. Landlords are then often prepared to charge a lower rent.
5. Make use of rent allowance
If your income is low enough, you may be eligible for rent allowance. Rent allowance is a financial contribution from the government to pay the rental costs. On the website of the Tax and Customs Administration you can calculate whether you are eligible for rent allowance.
6. Take a critical look at your energy consumption
Take a critical look at your energy consumption and try to save on the energy bill. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, don't leave the heating on unnecessarily and use low-energy light bulbs. On Huurwoningen.NET you can compare energy and calculate how much you can save on energy costs.
7. Look at cheaper options for internet and TV
It can pay off to look at cheaper options for internet and TV. There are several providers on the market that offer cheaper packages than the major players. For example, look at offers from other internet and TV providers.
8. Save on groceries
Save on groceries by buying offers and going to the cheapest supermarket in the area. Make use of discount coupons and also look at the private labels of supermarkets.
9. Buy used furniture
Buy second-hand furniture to save on the decoration of your home. There are several websites and apps where you can find second-hand furniture, such as Marktplaats, Facebook Marketplace and Vinted. By buying second-hand furniture, you not only save money, but you also contribute to a more sustainable world.
10. Save on cleaning costs
Save on cleaning costs by cleaning the house yourself and not opting for a cleaning service. Use inexpensive cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda. You can also look at sustainable and reusable cleaning products, such as microfibre cloths and ecological cleaning products.
11. Save on water costs
Save on water costs by using water sparingly. You can do this by taking shorter showers, using a water-saving shower head, not leaving the tap open unnecessarily and only turning on the washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.
12. Rent a furnished house
If you don't have your own furniture, it can be advantageous to rent a furnished home. Furniture and equipment are already present in these homes, so you do not have to invest in new furniture.
13. Avoid unnecessary insurance
Avoid unnecessary insurance to save on costs. Take a critical look at which insurance policies you really need and which you don't. For example, contents insurance may be useful, but additional insurance for your smartphone may not.
14. Save on mobility
Save on mobility by not opting for an expensive lease car, but by cycling or using public transport, for example. You can also look at the possibility of buying a used car or sharing a car with other renters.
As a tenant, you can save a lot on housing costs by applying these tips. By taking a critical look at your expenses and looking for cheaper alternatives, you can ensure that you have more money left over for other fun things. However, it is important to remember that sometimes cheap can be expensive. Make sure you always remain critical and invest in quality where necessary, to ultimately save costs in the long term.