General Information

In the Netherlands, accommodation is regulated by local authorities.

By law, all individuals must be formally registered in the municipality where they reside. Therefore, all personnel are required to notify the HQ JFCBS International Housing Office immediately upon securing housing.

This step ensures compliance with legal requirements and helps facilitate the setup of essential services. The International Housing Office will prepare the required registration documents and submit them on your behalf to the relevant local authorities and utility providers.

Any change of accommodation—unless coordinated by a National Support Unit—must also be reported to the International Housing Office without delay.

Residents in the Netherlands will receive monthly utility bills for their accommodation.

Gas and electricity are billed by Engie.

Water services are provided and billed by Waterleiding Maatschappij Limburg (WML).

Please contact the International Housing Office to arrange the connection or reconnection of utilities.

This ensures the correct Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption is applied to your contracts. U.S. personnel should coordinate directly with the U.S. Army Housing Office, located at USAG Benelux Brunssum.

Utilities are typically disconnected during a change of occupancy and will remain off until the new resident requests a reconnection.

Private telephone and internet connections can only be installed after a direct agreement has been made between the resident and the chosen provider.

The International Housing Office can provide you with all necessary information to get started.

All utility bills from Dutch providers—such as WML and Engie—must be paid using a Dutch bank account.

Please ensure your banking arrangements are in place upon moving into your residence.

Rental properties must be used strictly in accordance with their intended residential purpose.

Tenants are responsible for returning the property in the same condition as when it was initially occupied.

At the beginning of the rental period, landlords typically require a deposit equal to one month’s rent.

This deposit is refunded at the end of the rental period, minus any deductions for damages or necessary repairs.

Unless stated otherwise in the rental contract, the standard notice period in the Netherlands is one full rental month.

Before initiating the termination of your rental agreement, please contact our office for guidance and support.

The electricity supply in the Netherlands operates at 220 Volt A.C., 50 Hz (single phase).

This differs from the 110 Volt A.C., 60 Hz system commonly used in the United States.

Electrical plugs and fittings adhere to European standards, so U.S. appliances may require adapters or voltage converters.

The Netherlands uses natural gas for residential heating and hot water.

In many areas, residents may have the option to rent gas appliances—such as water heaters or stoves—at affordable rates.

These rentals typically include ongoing maintenance services as part of the agreement.

Domestic water service in the Limburg region is provided by Waterleiding Maatschappij Limburg (WML).

The water is generally classified as “hard” water, meaning it contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium.

For utility connections, please contact the International Housing Office.

Our staff will assist you with the proper setup and provide guidance for each service.