My rental scam story: What almost cost me €1,575 in the Netherlands

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I was keen to get settled into housing before semester started as an international student in the Netherlands. So when I found what seemed like a perfect flat in Utrecht, it was too good an opportunity to miss. The rent was reasonable, and the landlord seemed legit, sending me detailed photos and even a contract. But when they asked for €1,575 upfront as an initial payment before coming to see the apartment, I was wary. I started investigating and when I went to search for the legal owner I found the advert was a scam and was intended to take advantage of students such as myself. This experience showed me how simple it is to become a victim of rental fraud, especially in a city that is experiencing a housing crisis. Having come close to losing my money, I would like to share what I have learned from the experience so that other individuals might not fall into the trap.

The housing search and first messages

Once I received my admission letter to study in Utrecht, securing accommodation was my main priority. When I began searching for affordable housing around the university, I was astounded at how expensive and competitive the market was. It did not take long, however, until I saw an advertisement for a "perfect" one-bedroom apartment at a relatively affordable rent. The apartment felt homey, with high ceilings, contemporary furnishings, and even a small balcony. The price was much lower than most other places I’d seen in the city, which immediately piqued my interest.

The representative of the landlord was friendly and more than happy to answer my questions. They told me they were currently abroad and working and that they would prefer to do everything online. They sent more photos, reassured me about the process, and even sent me the tenancy agreement to sign. It was all so professional. It was all like a dream, a flat in the budget in the center of Utrecht.

The pressure to pay before viewing

The real red flag was when the landlord asked me to pay the first month's rent and the deposit upfront. They said they were under the gun to finalize the deal since there were several other students who were interested in the apartment. They said the money would secure the apartment for me, and they would send the keys and finalize the rental agreement upon receipt. The hurry made me nervous, what if someone else snapped up the apartment ahead of me?

I was skeptical at first about the request for a large sum of money even before seeing the apartment. But the landlord's persuasive voice made me think I was losing a great bargain. They even sent me what appeared to be a photocopy of their ID card and a rental contract, which seemed genuine. I was just going to pay when something kept bothering me.

Realizing something wasn’t right

I moved back and started researching rental scams in the Netherlands. What I found was concerning: rental fraud is not unheard of, especially with international students who don't necessarily understand the ins and outs of the housing market. I learned that scammers typically use high-pressure sales techniques, like telling you that others are interested, in order to make the student pay as quickly as possible.

I also noticed some red flags in communication. Like the fact that the landlord never ever invited me on a video call or allowed me to view the property in person. The photos they had sent appeared as if they could be the type of photos I saw in other postings. Comparing the contract, I found that some of the information contradicted each other.

How to protect yourself from scams like this

I immediately cut ties with the landlord and reported the scammer to the rental website. The experience did, however, teach me a valuable lesson about being cautious when searching for housing in a foreign country, especially a competitive one like Utrecht.

The following are tips I wish I'd followed before almost losing €1,575:

• Legitimate landlords do not ask for payment before you’ve signed the lease and seen the apartment.
• If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Look for other listings with the same photos or check the landlord’s details online.
• Stick to recognized rental websites or university-affiliated platforms for student housing to avoid scams.
• Scammers create urgency, but don’t let this pressure you. Take your time to verify everything.
• If possible, get in touch with previous tenants and ask about their experiences.

Don’t turn house hunting into a nightmare

Getting a cheap rent that meets all your requirements is thrilling, but do not let this excitement blind you. Scammers target desperate renters who are ready to grab an excellent bargain. Being cautious will go a long way in avoiding rental scams. Spend time validating listings, researching landlords, and adopting safe renting habits.

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