How to Avoid Housing Scams in the Netherlands (2026 Update)

The Most Common Housing Scams (2026)

1. Paying a Deposit Before Viewing

You’re asked to transfer a deposit to “secure the room” before a viewing — often because you’re abroad.

Reality: Legitimate landlords do not require payments before contracts and verification.

Scammers copy real listings from platforms like Pararius or Funda and repost them on Facebook or WhatsApp groups at lower prices.

Red flag: Reverse image search shows the same photos elsewhere.

The landlord claims to live abroad and cannot do viewings, promising to mail keys after payment.

This is one of the most common scams in the Netherlands.

Scammers send professional-looking contracts using logos of Dutch agencies, municipalities, or housing corporations.

Tip: A PDF alone means nothing without identity verification.

Scammers may ask for passport copies, BSN numbers, or residence permits.

Danger: This can lead to identity fraud.

Step 1: Verify the Address

• Check the address via Google Maps

• Look for inconsistencies in floor numbers, building type, or location

Step 2: Verify the Landlord or Agency

Ask for:

• Full legal name

• Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number (for agencies)

• Proof of ownership or authorization

You can check KvK numbers via the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

Step 3: Check the Contract Carefully

A legitimate Dutch rental contract includes:

• Exact address

• Rental price excluding/including utilities

• Deposit amount (usually 1–2 months max)

• Registration permission

Never:

• Pay cash

• Pay via gift cards, crypto, or Western Union

• Transfer money without a signed contract

• Pay a deposit before verification

Always:

• Pay via Dutch or EU bank transfer

• Keep proof of payment

• Ask for a receipt

Safe Platforms vs High-Risk Platforms

Generally Safer Platforms

• Housing corporations

• University housing partners

• Registered rental agencies

• Platforms requiring paid verification

High-Risk Platforms

• Facebook groups

• WhatsApp or Telegram listings

• Craigslist-style boards

These are not automatically scams — but extra caution is required.

1. Stop communication immediately

2. Do not transfer any money

3. Collect screenshots and documents

4. Report the listing to the platform

5. If money is lost, contact your bank immediately

You can also report scams to:

• Dutch police (online fraud reporting)

• Your university or housing office

If you’ve already paid:

• Contact your bank the same day

• File an online police report in the Netherlands

• Do not send additional money

Recovery is not guaranteed — but speed matters.

• Trusting friendliness over verification

• Assuming English-speaking = legitimate

• Believing urgency is normal

• Sending documents too early

Scammers rely on emotional pressure, not legal tricks.

A student in Nijmegen found a €450 room on Facebook. The landlord requested a €900 deposit before viewing because “many students were interested”. The listing photos were copied from an agency website. The money was never recovered.

Glossary

Deposit: Refundable security amount, usually 1–2 months’ rent

KvK: Dutch Chamber of Commerce registration number

Registration: Municipal address registration (BRP)

• Dutch Police – Online Fraud Reporting

• Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)

• University housing offices

If something feels wrong, it usually is. In the Dutch housing market, patience and verification matter more than speed.

At Brave Ones, we help international students and starters understand Dutch housing rules — so you can focus on building your life, not recovering from scams.