Renting in the Netherlands can be tough, with the added risk of falling for a rental scam. Fraudulent listings are on the rise, targeting unsuspecting tenants with offers that are too good to be true. Whether you’re a student, expat or local, knowing how to spot and avoid rental scams is key to a safe and legitimate home. Here are 10 tips to help you spot and avoid fraudulent listings in the Netherlands.
❓Why rental scams are so common in the Netherlands
The Dutch housing market is highly competitive, with high demand and limited supply, especially in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht. Scammers exploit this situation by creating fake listings, posing as landlords and tricking tenants into paying deposits or rent for properties that don’t exist or aren’t available. According to recent reports, rental scams have increased last year, so stay vigilant.
By following these 10 tips you can protect yourself from fraud and have a safe and secure rental experience.
🚩 1. Be suspicious of listings that are too good to be true
One of the most common signs of a rental scam is a listing that is too good. If the rent is significantly lower than the market average or the property looks way more luxurious than others in the same price range, be careful. Scammers use attractive photos and descriptions to lure victims.
What to do:
- Compare the listing with similar properties on trusted platforms like Funda, Pararius, or Renthunter.
- Landlords often hide behind fake identities or impersonate real property owners. Always check the landlord’s identity before signing a contract or paying money.
💡Tips : Reverse image search the photos with Google Lens to see if they’ve been stolen from other listings.
💰 2. Don’t pay before seeing the property
One of the biggest red flags is when a landlord demands payment before you’ve even seen the property. Scammers will claim that the property is in high demand and that you need to pay a deposit or first month’s rent to “secure” it. Don’t fall for it.
Always insist on visiting the property in person or via a virtual tour before making any payments. If the landlord refuses or tries to pressure you into paying quickly, walk away. A genuine landlord will never ask you to send money before you’ve had the chance to verify the property’s existence.
🕵️♂️ 3. Verify the landlord
Fraudulent landlords hide behind fake identities or impersonate real property owners. Always verify the landlord’s identity before signing a contract or transferring money.
What to do:
- Ask for proof of ownership, such as a property deed or recent utility bill.
- Do a background check by searching the landlord’s name online or contacting the property management company.
⚠️ 4. Be careful with payment requests
How a landlord asks for payment can reveal a lot about their legitimacy. Scammers often request payments via untraceable methods such as cash, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. They may also ask you to send money to a personal account rather than an official business account.
To stay safe, always use secure payment methods like PayPal or bank transfers that offer clear documentation. If a landlord insists on cash payments or asks you to transfer money via platforms that don’t provide buyer protection, it’s best to walk away.
📜 5. Read the rental agreement
A legitimate rental agreement should be clear and detailed, outlining key terms such as the rent amount, deposit, lease duration, and maintenance responsibilities. Scammers often provide vague or incomplete contracts to avoid accountability.
Take the time to read the contract thoroughly. If anything seems unclear, ask for clarification before signing. When in doubt, seek legal advice—especially if the landlord is reluctant to explain certain terms. A real landlord should have no issue providing a transparent rental agreement.
📢 6. Be wary of Facebook groups and unofficial platforms
If you come across a fraudulent listing, don’t just ignore it and report it. Many platforms allow users to flag suspicious ads, helping to prevent others from getting scammed.
What to do: Report the listing directly to the group where it was posted. If you’ve been scammed, file a complaint with the local police. The more people report scams, the harder it becomes for fraudsters to continue their schemes.
💡Tips : Read our article about how (verified) Facebook groups could help you with housing
📍7. Check if the property exists
Believe it or not, some scammers advertise properties that don’t even exist—or ones that are already rented out. They use stolen photos and fake addresses to make their listings seem convincing.
Before committing, take the extra step to confirm that the property is real and available. Visit the property in person if possible**.** If you’re unable to do so, use Google Maps to check if the location matches the listing. You can also contact a local real estate agency to verify whether the property is actually for rent.
💸 8. Watch out for hidden costs
Some landlords and agencies may try to charge hidden or unjustified fees, such as high agency costs, administration fees, or unexpected service charges. These extra costs can quickly add up and make the rental more expensive than expected. Always ask for a breakdown of all costs before signing a contract. In the Netherlands, agencies are not allowed to charge tenants a commission if they are also working for the landlord, so be wary of excessive agency fees.
🔍 9. Check reviews and ask for references
If you’re renting through an agency or from a landlord with previous tenants, check for reviews or ask for references. Scammers don’t have a rental history, while legit landlords or agencies should have proof of previous rentals.
What to do:
- Search for online reviews of the landlord or rental agency.
- If possible, ask previous tenants about their experience renting the property.
🚨 10. Report scams
If you find a fraudulent listing, report it to prevent others from getting scammed. Many platforms have a mechanism to report scams and you can also contact local authorities or tenant protection organisations (Huurcomissie).
What to Do:
- Report the listing to the platform where it was posted.
- File a complaint with the local police if you got scammed.
🧠 Did you know? : Scammers often target international students who are not familiar with Dutch rental laws and practices.
🏁 Conclusion – Prepare yourself to avoid rental scams
Rental scams are a reality in the Netherlands but with the right knowledge and preparation you can avoid falling victim. By following these 10 tips you’ll be better equipped to spot scams, verify landlords and get a safe and legit rental.
Remember platforms like Renthunter can help you find verified listings and avoid scams. Whether you’re looking for a place in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht, be smart and informed and you’ll have a successful and scam-free rental experience. Happy house hunting!
📝 FAQ: how to avoid rental scams
1. How can I verify a rental listing is real?
Check the property’s details on trusted platforms, verify the landlord’s identity and ask to see the property before paying.
2. What should I do if I got scammed?
Report the scam to the platform, contact the police and seek legal advice to get your money back.
3. Are Facebook groups safe for finding housing?
While Facebook groups can be useful they are also a common source of scams. Always verify the listing and don’t pay to unverified users.
4. What are the most common rental scams in the Netherlands?
Fake listings, asking for upfront payments and landlords who won’t show the property.
5. How can I protect myself from rental scams?
Use trusted platforms like Renthunter, verify the landlord’s identity and never pay before seeing the property.
6. What are the signs of a rental scam?
Ask yourself: Is this rental listing too good to be true? More signs of a rental scam are:
- Prices significantly lower than the market average
- Landlords pressuring you to pay quickly
- No option to view the property in person
- Requests for payment through unofficial channels
- Poorly written or vague listings
7. What should I check before renting an apartment?
- The landlord’s identity and ownership documents
- The rental contract terms
- Whether the utilities and service costs are included
- Reviews or complaints about the landlord or agency
8. Safe ways to pay rent online
Use secure payment methods like bank transfers to Dutch accounts. Avoid sending money through cryptocurrency or other untraceable methods.
9. What to do if you’ve been scammed renting an apartment?
Report the incident to the police, notify the rental platform, contact your bank to see if payments can be reversed, and warn others through online reviews or expat forums.
10. How to confirm a rental contract is real?
A legitimate rental contract should include the landlord’s full details, rental terms, deposit conditions, and property information. When in doubt, ask a legal expert or housing association to review it.
11. How to report a fraudulent rental listing?
Most rental platforms have a reporting function. You can also report scams to the Dutch police and fraud organizations such as Fraudehelpdesk.nl.
12. How to find a safe rental in Amsterdam?
Stick to reputable platforms like Renthunter, Funda, Pararius, and HousingAnywhere. Be aware that rental scams are especially common in popular areas, so always verify the listing.
18. Best rental platforms for expats in the Netherlands
Some of the most trusted rental platforms for expats include Renthunter, Funda, Pararius, Kamernet, and HousingAnywhere. Always check reviews before committing to a rental.
