Homestay in the Netherlands: How Does it Work?

Homestay is the ultimate way to quickly find your way in the Netherlands while having a great place to stay.

Are you on a hunt for a room in the Netherlands? Hospi Housing is here to help. Welcome to the ultimate guide on the largest homestay platform in the Netherlands. Here you can find the answers to the frequently asked questions in regards to registration, cost, and our matchmaking process, all to ensure your effortless homestay experience!

About Hospi Housing

In 2017, Hospi Housing started as a wild idea. By 2023, we take immense pride in being recognized as the largest platform for homestay in the Netherlands. Our platform focuses on connecting room seekers (such as students, young professionals, and everyone in between!) with local hosts who can provide you with a space to call home.

Short-term, long-term, you name it! Affordable, sustainable, and simply having fun – are all at the heart of our mission. Working in collaboration with 25+ municipalities and educational institutions, we aim to provide as many individuals as possible with affordable housing in their chosen part of the country. This way, we make better use of existing housing and provide a social solution to the housing shortage all across the Netherlands.

Is Hospi Housing a brokerage company?

No, Hospi Housing operates as a unique platform that bridges the gap between housing supply and demand. Our primary goal is to connect people looking for accommodation with hosts and guest families. We have developed a free and easy to use platform. We take specific preferences of you and the hosts into account, to create the best possible match. While we actively support and assist in the matchmaking process, it's important to note that we do not directly intervene or mediate in the arrangements.

Registration

How can I sign up?

You can create an account on this page. Signing up is easy and free. After creating your account, you receive an email with a link to verify your email address. Please check your spam folder in case you don’t receive the verification email. After you verified your email address, you can begin setting up your profile.

How can I change my profile?

You can easily change your profile anytime you want. First, log in to your ‘My Hospi’ environment. Within your ‘My Hospi’ environment, you will find a side-menu with different options, such as ‘Profile’, ‘Rooms’, ‘Matching’, and ‘My stay’. Here, you can make adjustments in your profile or in your search preferences. For a detailed step-by-step guide, please check out this blog.

Is a room guaranteed after signing up?

We are working hard to increase the amount of available rooms. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a room. That is why we offer our platform for free. No room, no pay. In order to maximize the chance of success, read this blog with valuable tips & tricks on how to improve your profile.

Matchmaking

Can I change my search criteria to see more rooms?

You can adjust your search by changing the move-in date ranges, your budget, and location. It is possible that there are just no rooms available to match your search criteria. If a new room that matches your search criteria becomes available, you will receive an email notification.

How do I express my interest in a room?

If a new room that matches your search criteria becomes available, it will be shown in ‘Rooms‘ in your ‘My Hospi’ environment. You can express your interest by sending a chat request to the host. The host will receive a notification and decide whether to accept or decline your chat request. To increase your chances for a match, add a brief motivation on why you are interested in this particular room.

When do I have a match?

When the host accepts your chat request, he or she can start a conversation in the chat. You can ask additional questions about the room, the host, and the move-in date. You can also arrange a (digital) viewing to see the room and meet the host. After the viewing, if you and the host are still enthusiastic, you have a match and your homestay adventure can begin!

How does Hospi Housing guarantee a safe place?

Safety is our utmost priority. Every host on Hospi Housing undergoes a verification process to avoid scams. Our dedicated team verifies each host personally to guarantee your safe, secure, and affordable homestay experience.

I cannot visit the host, what do I do?

If you cannot visit the host in-person, you have the option to plan a digital viewing. Keep in mind that all hosts are personally verified by our team before a room is posted on the platform to ensure your safety.

I have a match! What’s next?

Congratulations! After the match is confirmed on both sides, the host will draft up a contract and send it to you. Hospi Housing will then personally reach out to discuss the next steps to help you get optimally prepared for your arrival.

Do we have to be friends?

While Hospi Housing encourages meaningful connections, it is not a requirement. Your level of personal contact is entirely based on your own arrangements with the host. Prior to finalizing your homestay, be sure to have open discussions with the host about your living expectations.

I want to report abuse or a scam

Reporting inappropriate behavior and/or scammers is essential to keep our platform safe. You can always report in the ‘Matching’ chat in your ‘My Hospi’ environment or reach out to us by email or phone.

Matching fee

Signing up and browsing rooms on our platform is completely free. In case you find a room and the contract is signed, Hospi Housing charges a one-time fee of €295,- per person. No room = no pay! Our commitment is to guarantee you have a risk-free experience while searching for your perfect accommodation.

Happy Matchmaking!

It’s a match? Here, you can find a guide on what to further expect during your stay with a host. If you have any further questions, we are here to assist you during the process, from the moment of your registration to moving in. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email. With love, Hospi Housing team. <3