Rental Scam
PUBLISHED WED, NOV 13 2024 16:15 PM EST
Mike Intveld
Image: fotobehang.com
Finding housing in the Netherlands as an international student is exciting but also risky. Rental scams in the Netherlands are becoming increasingly common, targeting newcomers who are unfamiliar with the local housing market. I experienced this myself when I almost lost €1,575 to a fraudulent landlord while looking for student accommodation in Utrecht. The listing seemed perfect, the rent was fair, and the “landlord” appeared professional. But when they demanded a large upfront payment before I could even see the apartment, I realized something was wrong. In this article, I share my personal rental scam experience, the red flags I missed at first, and the best tips to avoid housing fraud in the Netherlands so you can rent safely and with confidence.
When I received my acceptance to study in Utrecht, finding affordable student housing became my top priority. Like many international students, I turned to online listings. I soon found an advertisement for a furnished apartment with a balcony in a great location, close to the university. The rent was within my budget, and the photos looked authentic.
The landlord responded quickly and seemed friendly. They assured me they were busy but could manage everything remotely. They even sent a tenancy agreement for me to sign before viewing the property. Everything looked professional, which made the offer even more tempting.
The first major red flag appeared when the landlord requested three months’ rent plus a deposit upfront. They claimed that other students were interested in the apartment and urged me to pay quickly to secure it. They even sent what looked like a copy of their ID and a rental contract.
I hesitated at first, but the fear of losing the apartment pushed me to consider making the payment. This urgency tactic is common in rental scams in the Netherlands, especially targeting international students unfamiliar with how renting works here
Take action: If landlords show one or multiple warnings, but unsure if you're dealing with a rental scammer. Try housetective and know who you're dealing with.
Before sending the money, I researched the landlord’s name and the property address online. That is when I discovered multiple reports warning about rental scams in the Netherlands involving similar tactics. I also noticed inconsistencies in the landlord’s communication and photos, which were identical to images from another listing.
This was the turning point that saved me from losing €1,575. I backed out immediately and reported the scam.
This experience taught me valuable lessons about avoiding housing fraud, especially as an international student or expat. If you are searching for an apartment in the Netherlands, here are key tips to protect yourself:
The following are tips I wish I'd followed before almost losing €1,575:
Take action: If you want to avoid rental scams, but you don't know where to start. Try housetective and let them verify the property.
Securing an affordable apartment that meets your needs can be exciting, but scammers often prey on that excitement. By staying informed and using trusted services, you can rent safely in the Netherlands and avoid becoming part of the growing rental scam statistics.
Got offered a room or appartment but are unsure if you're dealing with the legal owner? Verify ownership within 72 hours and get clear, reliable insights to protect yourself from rental scammers before making any commitments. Stay safe, stay informed, and rent with confidence.
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