Just Be Glad You Don't Have To Rent An Apartment Dutch Style

American apartments certainly come with their fair share of difficulties. High rents, unresponsive landlords, sloppy paint jobs, and annoying fees are all par for the course, but in the end, most tenants are able to come across a space that truly feels like home, even if just temporarily. If you've found yourself frustrated by near-endless searches or in a position where you have no choice but to file a complaint against your landlord, however, learning just how complicated things can get on the other side of the world could give you something to be grateful for. In the Netherlands, "kaal" apartments refer to spaces that are completely unfurnished — and when we say completely, we mean completely.

In the U.S., an unfurnished apartment typically translates to a space with no furniture, but "kaal" takes this a step further. These apartments are essentially just walls, plumbing, and wiring. No appliances are included, which isn't particularly extreme, but things like flooring, wall paint, countertops, light fixtures, and window coverings are also often left out of the deal. Before moving, many Americans feel quite overwhelmed by the processes of decluttering or packing like a pro — imagine having to add "buy and install flooring" to the to-do list.

Of course, this isn't the only option for apartments in the Netherlands. "Gestoffeerd" apartments are more akin to what we'd consider unfurnished in the U.S., and include appliances, lights, and finishing touches like flooring, while "gemeubileerd" apartments are completely ready to move in and already have furniture. So, why is this even a choice for the Dutch? As it turns out, "kaal" apartments actually boast a few benefits.

While "kaal" apartments might sound like a nightmare for short-term renters, they can actually present some pros for people who plan on sticking around. It can be hard to add personality to your decorating scheme if you're having to face off against existing design decisions or a strict landlord, but choosing an unfinished space can give you significantly more control over the final look. 

Of course, you'll have to do the work and make the necessary investments to pull it off, but if you're going to live in the same apartment for years on end, the time and money you spend will eventually come out in the wash. It's almost a compromise between renting a typical apartment and building your own home — you get final say on the design decisions, but you're not tied to the space permanently or expected to pony up for a down payment.

Another big plus is the cost. "Kaal" apartments typically come at a cheaper price point, but of course, they'll take some investing before they're fully livable. In some cases, you can connect with the previous tenant and purchase items they used in the apartment beforehand at a discount, but this certainly shouldn't be an assumption. If you're not planning to stay in the apartment for multiple years, "gestoffeerd" or "gemeubileerd" spaces are recommended, and if you're in the U.S., be grateful you don't have to read the fine print to confirm you'll have flooring.