Written by Panashe Mlambo

– Housing shortage in the Netherlands leads to increased competition and rental scams.

Tips to avoid housing and rental scams1:

Ø Beware of deals that seem too good to be true, especially in major cities.

Ø Scrutinize the landlord’s social media for inconsistencies.

Ø Be cautious of reused pictures and descriptions across multiple listings.

Ø Verify the authenticity of house pictures by checking for Dutch elements and doing a reverse image search.

Ø Recognize common patterns in scammer messages, such as providing excessive details upfront and avoiding in-person viewings.

Ø Be wary of landlords who claim to be abroad and cannot show the property in person.

Ø Avoid supplying personal ID until certain of legitimacy.

Ø Verify the property owner through the Kadaster property register.

Ø Always view the apartment before renting or have someone view it on your behalf.

Ø Resist pressure to sign immediately and make payments cautiously.

Ø Avoid payment methods like Western Union and Airbnb.

Ø Watch out for illegal sublets, which may lead to registration issues.

Ø Seek help from organizations like !WOON and local Juridisch Loket if unsure or if scammed.

Ø Take immediate action and report to the police if scammed.

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1 https://dutchreview.com/expat/rental-housing-scams-netherlands/