Finding accommodation can be challenging, and unfortunately scammers often target international students who are unfamiliar with the Dutch housing market. Being aware of common scams, understanding your rights as a tenant, and knowing where to get help can protect you from financial loss and unnecessary stress during your housing search.
How rental scams work
Scammers often pose as landlords or agents offering rooms or apartments that either don't exist or are not actually available for rent. They take advantage of the urgency students often feel when arranging housing before arriving in the Netherlands.
Common scam tactics include:
- Fake listings with attractive prices and desirable locations
- Stolen photos and descriptions from genuine properties
- Pressure to make a quick decision due to high demand
- Requests for upfront payments before you've viewed the property
- Communication only through unofficial channels such as email or WhatsApp
Warning signs to look out for
Be extra cautious if you encounter any of the following:
- Rental prices that seem unusually low compared to similar listings.
- Requests for payment before a viewing or signed contract.
- A landlord claiming to be abroad and unable to show the property.
- Messages contain mistakes, inconsistencies, or vague answers to your questions.
- The property address is unclear, incomplete, or difficult to verify.
- You are encouraged to continue the conversation outside a trusted housing platform shortly after making contact.
Tips for safe renting
Follow these practical tips to reduce the risk of rental fraud:
- Compare rental prices with similar accommodation in the same city. If a room seems much cheaper than average, be extra cautious.
- Always verify the identity of the landlord or housing provider before making any payment.
- If you need to share a copy of your passport, only do so when necessary and make sure to watermark or mark the copy with the purpose for which it is being used.
- Be cautious when a landlord claims they cannot arrange a viewing because they are abroad or temporarily unavailable.
- Check whether a housing agency has a professional website, contact details, and independent online reviews.
- Search online for the landlord's name, email address, phone number, bank account details, or property address to see if others have reported suspicious activity.
- Verify that the accommodation is actually being offered for rent and that the photos match the property.
- If you cannot view the room yourself, ask someone you trust to visit it on your behalf or request a live video viewing.
- Only transfer money to a verified landlord or recognised housing organisation through regular banking channels.
- Make sure you can contact the landlord or agency through multiple channels, such as email and telephone.
Before you pay anything
Never transfer money before you have completed all of the following:
- Verified the identity of the landlord or agency
- Confirmed that the property actually exists
- Viewed the room in person or via a reliable live video viewing
- Received and carefully reviewed a rental contract
- Checked that the bank account details match the landlord or agency
Unsure about a rental contract?
You can contact the following organisations for free advice and support:
What to do if you suspect a scam
If you think you've encountered a scam:
- Stop communication immediately
- Do not transfer any money
- Report the listing to the platform where you found it
- Contact your bank if you have already made a payment
- Report the incident to the relevant Dutch authorities
Remember: legitimate landlords and housing providers will understand if you take time to verify information before making a decision.