• It is a good practice to stretch your criteria (budget / area) to a bit more than preferred. You can always say no to an apartment that does not fit.

• If an apartment listing is present on multiple websites, you might get multiple notifications about it. It is a good idea to apply to both of them.

• In any case, HutHunters will be sending you two types of notifications: The ones that fit your preferences, and the ones that have some slight deviations.

• Expect some inaccuracies, as not every website lists details in a readable manner.

• If possible, make sure to also apply directly through the website of the rental agency, or contact them by phone. Persistence increases your chances of getting a viewing.

• The first question the landlord will have is your solvency. Make sure to be able to present all relevant income documents. Keep them neat and structured.

• A bit of a personal story goes a long way. Who are you? What do you do? Are you going to wreck the place, or take care of it? Pro tip: Don't wreck places.

• A bit unorthodox, but worked for me on multiple occasions: attach a photo of yourself. If you're a couple, even better. It becomes way easier for the landlord to sense who they are dealing with.