With the massive shortage of housing, finding a place to live can be difficult - particularly in Amsterdam. Agents are the easiest and safest way to find a flat but are expensive usually charging one month's rent as commission. Yes - that's on top of the one month's rent up front and one / two month's rent for a deposit. For those with lower budgets, flatshares are the best option but can be hard to find. Sometimes it's possible to sublet but be warned there are a LOT of accommodation scams out there. Never hand over any money until you've seen the place and have a contract and the keys in your hand. The Dutch for 'to rent' is 'te huur'; 'for sale' is 'te koop'. Below is a of sites listing private ads and a list of rental agencies.