Landlord Issues: What Now?

17-09-2025
Brave Ones Headshots (1)

Malu

Jakub Zerdzicki V7q94jc04wq Unsplash

Landlord Issues: What Now?

Dealing with Your Landlord in the Netherlands

Moving to a new country is exciting but also comes with challenges. If you’re renting in Nijmegen (or anywhere in the Netherlands), you might run into issues with your landlord. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and help is available.
Whether it’s about high rent, unclear contracts, unpaid deposits, or even intimidation, there are free organizations that support tenants, including international students.

Meet Huurteams Nijmegen

Huurteams Nijmegen helps all tenants in the city, no matter what kind of housing you rent or who your landlord is. Their support is:
  • Free of charge (yes, really!)
  • Confidential (they never contact your landlord without your permission)
  • Available in English
They can help with issues such as:
  • Rent that seems too high
  • Confusing or unfair contract terms
  • Service charges
  • Deposit problems
  • Maintenance issues (like broken heating or mold)
  • Paying an “all-in” rent without a clear breakdown
  • Unlawful eviction
Even if your specific problem isn’t listed, they’ll do their best to help or refer you to the right place.

How It Works

  1. Reach out: You can contact them through their website, by email, or by phone.
  2. Advice first: They’ll look at your situation and explain the next steps.
  3. Support in action: This could mean writing to your landlord, mediating, or even supporting you in official proceedings before the Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal).
If it’s just a quick question, you can drop by during their walk-in consultation hour every Wednesday from 13:00–15:00.
Anne Roston Jmug Ezbazq Unsplash

What If It’s More Serious?

Unfortunately, some tenants face intimidation or discrimination. Every municipality in the Netherlands has a reporting center where you can file a complaint. In Nijmegen, that’s Meldpunt Huurders Nijmegen.
For serious situations (like threats), you should always contact the police as well.

Not in Nijmegen?

The good news: Nijmegen isn’t the only city with tenant support! Many Dutch cities have their own Huurteams or similar organizations:
Watch out: some commercial companies charge for these services, but in many places you can get the same help for free.

Final Tips for International Students

  • Don’t ignore the problem: the earlier you act, the easier it is to solve.
  • Always keep copies of your contract, emails, and receipts.
  • Ask for help: tenant support organizations exist to protect you.
Living in the Netherlands as a student is a big adventure. If your landlord is making things difficult, remember: you don’t have to deal with it alone.