desperately seeking

30-something mother of two desperately seeks apartment to rent between 500 - 800 euros a month. Has tried craigslist, marktplaats, and every rental agency that exists in the Netherlands and has been unsuccessful.

Repeated scam attempts by Nigerians masquerading as real estate agents make her cynical. Huge rents (upward of 1200 euros) and deposits required by conventional rental agencies make her eyes water. The quality of accommodation is dismal.

Buying something is too much of a commitment and takes too long. Requesting an urgency for social housing will take another six months and is not guaranteed.

The prospect of working to pay rent and childcare and not having enough money left over for food, clothing or other bills makes her want to move back to Zimbabwe, where even though there is nothing to eat there is still a house with a pool.