Anti-scamming Louise Housing tips

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/

New property rental laws in the Netherlands: Affordable rent act

Written by Loes Barendrecht

 

From the 1st of July 2024 new rental laws are implemented in the Dutch housing market: The Fixed Rental Contracts Act (Wet vaste huurcontracten). Both for tenants and landlords this new legislation will bring significant changes, aimed to protect the tenants and provide more security. This short article will discuss the main changes, the reasons behind these changes, and highlight potential consequences for students.

Main Changes
From the 1st of July 2024 it is only allowed to offer a rental contract for an indefinite period. Until July 1, 2024, landlords were free to offer fixed term tenancy agreements, these temporary rental contracts automatically end after a set period. However, from July 1, 2024, only permanent rental contracts can be offered. This means that all new rental contracts offered by landlords have to be for an indefinite period. The already existing temporary contracts will remain valid until their end date, but if these contracts are extended, they will be permanent as well.
Exceptions to the Rule
Although permanent rental contracts are now the norm, there are several important exceptions included in a General Administrative Order (AMvB). For specific groups, for example students and urgent housing seekers, it is still possible to obtain a rental contract for a fixed term. However these contracts come with strict rules and can only be for the maximum period of two years.
Reasons for the Changes
The main reasons for the legislation to change was to provide tenants with more security regarding their living situation. Temporary rental contracts can cause uncertainty as tenants often have to move or renegotiate their rental terms at the end of the contract, leading to higher costs. By mandating permanent rental contracts, the position of tenants is strengthened, especially in a stressed housing market as in the Netherlands.
Consequences for Students and International Students
However, particularly for students, the new legislation could have some positive consequences. If the landlord decides to offer a permanent contract, then the law offers more security for students who want to stay in one place longer. They no longer have to worry about finding new accommodation at the end of a temporary contract. This could be particularly beneficial for international students who are often less familiar with the local housing market and have a smaller network to rely on.
But if the landlord decides to offer a fixed contract, students can still benefit from the option of concluding a temporary rental contract for a maximum of two years. This is useful for students who are studying at a particular location for a short period, such as during an exchange program.
Potential Challenges
However there are also some challenges with these new regulations. A possible challenge is that landlords might be less motivated to rent to students, since they have to offer a permanent contract. This could in the long term limit the availability of student housing, especially in cities with high demand for student accommodation.
On top of that, the introduction of permanent rental contracts could lead to an increase in rental prices as landlords try to minimize their risks. Students, who in general do not have a lot of money, may experience additional financial pressure as a result.
In short
The Fixed Rental Contracts Act, effective from July 1, 2024, changes the Dutch rental market. While the law is intended to provide tenants with more security, specific exceptions have been made for certain groups. This legislation will increase housing security for many tenants but may also introduce new challenges, especially for students and international students. It is important for both tenants and landlords to stay up to date about the new rules and understand their rights and obligations.

Download This Report

Source

Changes in rules and regulations in summer and autumn 2024 | I amsterdam. (n.d.). I Amsterdam.
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/live-work-study/living/whats-changing-in-the-netherlands-in-summer-2024

Ministerie van Algemene Zaken. (2024, July 15). Mag mijn verhuurder mij een tijdelijk huurcontract aanbieden?Rijksoverheid.nl. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/huurwoning-zoeken/vraag-en-antwoord/wanneer-kan-ik-tijdelijk-huren

Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties. (2024, June 7). Wet vaste huurcontracten vanaf 1 juli 2024 van kracht. Nieuwsbericht | Rijksoverheid.nl. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/06/07/wet-vaste-huurcontracten-vanaf-1-juli-2024-van-kracht

 

Missing children of Dutch asylum shelters

By Mayeda Tayyab

In May 2024, Lost in Europe released the findings of their investigation into the disappearance of unaccompanied children in Europe. This investigation revealed that 51,433 children disappeared from refugee centres across Europe between 2021 and 2023, with Italy having the highest number of missing unaccompanied minors at 22,899 children (Van den Hof, 2024). Unfortunately, this is not the first time such a discovery has been done.

Netherlands:

15,404 unaccompanied refugee minors registered in the Netherlands in the last three years (Dutch News, 2024). 850 of these children have disappeared from asylum shelters without any trace (Van den Hof, 2024).

Before 2024:

This is not the first time the Dutch authorities have found themselves in this situation. In 2023, 360 minors had disappeared from refugee shelters in the Netherlands between 2022 and 2023, all of whom vanished from the Ter Apel reporting centre. That year, 4449 minors without parents or guardians had applied for asylum in the Netherlands (Dutch News, 2023).

Government response: 

The Human Rights Committee has asked the Dutch government to take urgent measures in investigating the trend of missing unaccompanied minors as well as addressing the root issues causing these disappearances. The Dutch government has also been asked to improve the quality of living standards and resources provided to children in the asylum shelters.

The Dutch national rapporteur on human trafficking, Hermann Bolhaar, has criticised the Dutch refugee system and the government for their lack of implementing any protective and safeguarding measures, given the urgency of the situation and the danger unaccompanied children are finding themselves in.

Missing-children-of-Dutch-asylum-shelters-Download

The Potential Influence of a Right-Wing Government on Education in the Netherlands 

Written by Asiia Kilmukhametova 

The Netherlands, known for its progressive policies, has experienced a significant political shift with the election of right-wing parties like the Party for Freedom (PVV) and the newly founded Nationalist Socialist Coalition (NSC). With these parties securing a considerable number of seats in the Dutch House of Representatives, concerns arise regarding their potential impact on various aspects of Dutch society, including education. Particularly, their standpoint against the internationalization of higher education raises questions about the future direction of educational policies in the country. 

Historical context 

The Netherlands has been recognized for its progressive education system, which emphasizes inclusivity, diversity, and internationalization. According to the Dutch Government, of all incoming students in higher education, more than 25% are international students. Moreover, the country’s universities and schools of applied sciences are actively pursuing partnerships with institutions worldwide, providing Erasmus+ and Exchange programs, which are focused on attracting students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Dutch government have been emphasizing the importance of introducing students to international and intercultural society at a young age, and several studies showed that nearly a quarter of the Dutch population had a migrant background. 

However, the rise of nationalist movements and the growing popularity of right-wing ideologies may affect the internationalization of the Dutch education. Parties like the PVV and NSC advocate for stricter immigration policies and cultural preservation. PVV – a far-right and party leaded by Geert Wilders. Nationalist ideology mainly concerns immigrational and cultural concerns, supported by the call of PVV to ban the Quran and shut down all mosques in the Netherlands. Geert Wilders, leader of the party, stated in the past that he he hates Islam, which clearly indicates the party’s attitude toward Muslim population. The party opposes to the dual citizenships and immigration especially from non-Western countries. NSC, as well as PVV, represent conservative attitude towards immigration, stating that the number of immigrants taken each years should be halved. With right-wing coalition taking 81 out of the 150 seats in the parliament, Dutch educational system may experience major structural changes. 

Potential influence on Dutch education 

As nationalist parties gain power, minority communities, particularly Muslims, may find themselves marginalized within educational institutions. Discrimination may present itself in various forms, and it is expected that student community will particularly experience hardened admissibility rules and immigration processes. People with double citizenships may also be caught in these situations. Calls to Dutch culture may put pressure on Muslim students to conform, leading to their inability to express their cultural and religious identities.  

Furthermore, right-wing parties, namely PVV and NSC are expected prioritize policies aimed at preserving Dutch culture and language by reducing the number of foreign students in the educational institutions. This could entail stricter visa regulations, higher tuition fees for non-EU students, which are already 5 times higher than EU fee, and quotas on the enrollment of international students. The number of English-taught and double-degrees may be reduced, leading to international students choosing other destinations for their academic pursuits. 

Exchange and Erasmus + programs have long been essential components of the Dutch higher education, fostering cross-cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among students. The future of these programs may also be compromised, as the Netherlands will not be able to insure an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for the incoming students, possibly endangering and complication their studies in the Netherlands. PVV states that the universities’ primary responsibility should be to Dutch students. From the perspective of Dutch students, the prioritization of Dutch sovereignty over international engagement can lead to the reduction of exchange programs. 

Under the rule of right-wing government, international universities whose ideologies are different from nationalist ideas may find themselves at risk of receiving less funding or facing other forms of institutional pressure. In its election manifesto, the PVV writes that all English-language undergraduate courses should be eliminated. Policies aimed at cultural preservation could prioritize funding for institutions that align with these objectives. Reduced financial support may constrain the governmental ability to attract top talent and reduce the supply of resources and opportunities for students that need them to in an increasingly competitive environment. 

Conclusion 

The potential influence of right-wing Dutch government on education raises important questions about the future direction of the country’s educational policies. While parties like the PVV and NSC may seek to limit the internationalization of higher education and promote nationalist ideas, they are likely to encounter resistance from within the education sector and broader society.  

As the Netherlands experiences the unstable and unforeseen period of political change, it must aim to uphold the principles of diversity, and academic inclusivity that have long been the merit of its education system. 

References

  • Castelvecchi, D. (2023, June 14). Shock election win for far-right worries academics in the Netherlands. Science. https://www.science.org/content/article/shock-election-win-far-right-worries-academics-netherlands
  • Buruma, I. (2008, February 17). The Muslim next door. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/feb/17/netherlands.islam
  • Groothuis, F. (2023, March 9). Internationalisation in the Netherlands: An uncertain and volatile landscape. The PIE News. https://thepienews.com/the-view-from/internationalisation-netherlands-uncertain-volatile-landscape/
  • Wikipedia contributors. (2023, June 8). New Social Contract. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Social_Contract
  • ABN AMRO Research. (2023, March 9). Dutch rates focus: Dutch elections won by far-right party PVV. ABN AMRO. https://www.abnamro.com/research/en/our-research/dutch-rates-focus-dutch-elections-won-by-far-right-party-pvv
  • Schinkel, W. (2022). Not only has the number of international students in the Netherlands increased, but so has their contribution to the economy. In R. Beckers & W. Schinkel (Eds.), Internationalisation and Higher Education (pp. 23-45). Springer. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-14224-6_2#:~:text=Not%20only%20has%20the%20number,than%2023%25%20(see%20Fig.
  • Nuffic. (2023). Internationalisation facts and figures. Nuffic. https://www.nuffic.nl/en/subjects/research/internationalisation-facts-and-figures
  • Van der Heijden, M. (2023, March 15). PVV and NSC win Dutch election: What’s the impact on education and research? UToday. https://www.utoday.nl/news/73552/pvv-and-nsc-win-dutch-election-whats-the-impact-on-education-and-research

Amsterdam Housing Scams target International Students

As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the interests of international students and renters, Broken Chalk presents this lobbying report to address the pervasive issue of housing scams in Amsterdam. With the rising incidence of fraudulent activities targeting renters, especially expats and students, urgent action is needed to protect vulnerable populations and preserve the integrity of the rental market.

Problem Statement

Amsterdam, like many major cities, faces a significant threat from housing scams, with scammers targeting expatriates and students seeking affordable accommodation. The financial losses incurred by victims of housing scams are substantial, posing a significant economic burden and jeopardising the financial well-being of renters.

Expatriates and students are particularly vulnerable to housing scams due to their limited familiarity with local housing norms and regulations, making them prime targets for exploitation. Victims of housing scams often fail to report incidents to authorities, contributing to a lack of accountability and perpetuating fraudulent activities within the rental market.

Recommendations

We advocate for stricter regulation of the rental market, including mandatory membership in established realtors’ organisations such as the MVA or the NVM and the strengthening of rental agencies to prevent fraudulent practices and hold perpetrators accountable.

We encourage the government to launch comprehensive educational campaigns targeting renters, particularly expatriates and students, to raise awareness of common housing scams provide guidance on identifying and avoiding fraudulent schemes and collaborate with organizations like !WOON to disseminate information and provide confidential advice to individuals seeking housing.

We urge the government and universities to implement measures to verify the legitimacy of rental listings and landlords, including access to resources such as the Kadaster property register and to encourage and raise awareness of renters to conduct thorough background checks and seek second opinions when evaluating rental opportunities. Proper measures should be taken against informal listings on social media, and penalties and fines should be placed to combat the surge of housing scams.

Furthermore, renters should be made aware of their rights regarding fees and financial transactions and guidance on legal deposits and recourse options for unjust fees should be provided. We urge the government to facilitate access to support services, such as those offered by!WOON, to assist victims of housing scams in reclaiming losses and seeking restitution.

Broken Chalk advocates for proactive measures to inform and support international students in navigating the Dutch housing market effectively. Our proposed solutions aim to empower students with the knowledge and resources needed to secure safe and legitimate accommodation during their time in the Netherlands.

We further recommend collaboration with home affairs departments at universities and colleges to incorporate housing education and assistance into orientation programs for international students. By integrating housing-related information sessions, workshops, and resources into existing initiatives, institutions can better prepare students for the challenges of finding accommodation in a new country.

We further advocate for legislation and policy frameworks that incentivize universities and colleges to prioritize housing support for international students. Encourage the establishment of dedicated housing offices or support services within educational institutions to provide tailored assistance and guidance to students throughout their housing search process.

The government has a duty to ensure that international students have access to comprehensive information on housing options, rights, and responsibilities from the moment they arrive in the country and to develop informational materials, online resources, and orientation sessions specifically focused on housing-related topics to equip students with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

Universities should be held to the same standard. We urge the government to implement specialised support programs or mentorship initiatives for first-year international students to address their unique housing needs and challenges and to pair incoming students with experienced mentors or peer advisors who can offer guidance, share personal experiences, and provide practical assistance in navigating the rental market.

We further fight for the establishment of mechanisms for monitoring the effectiveness of housing support initiatives and collecting feedback from international students to identify areas for improvement and regular assessments of student satisfaction with housing services and use this feedback to refine and enhance support programs over time should be conducted.

By prioritizing the integration of housing education and support services into existing institutional frameworks and advocating for policy changes to incentivize universities and colleges, we can ensure that international students receive the assistance they need to secure suitable housing and thrive in their academic pursuits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the scourge of housing scams in Amsterdam requires a coordinated and multi-faceted approach. By implementing the recommended measures, we can protect renters, uphold the integrity of the rental market, and create a safer and more equitable environment for all residents. We urge the Ministry of Education to prioritize these initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders to combat housing scams effectively.

Sincerely,

Broken Chalk

Anti-Scamming Team

Input for report on child and youth human rights defenders

Written by Caren Thomas, Ioana-Sorina Alexa and Luna Plet.

This report is a Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on on child and youth human rights defenders in The Netherlands.

Image by Fridays for Future Nederland.

Have child and young human rights defenders played an active role in the civil society of your country?

Yes. There are many examples of such child and young human rights defender initiatives, including but not limited to the following:

The Dutch National Youth Council1 (Nationale Jeugdraad) focuses on educational rights and advocates for fair treatment, quality education, and equal opportunities. They also advocate for meaningful youth participation in sustainable development and climate change. The organisation has run its program for almost 20 years and is one of the most robust youth representations at a formal international level.

Youth Climate Movement2 (Jonge Klimaatbeweging – JKB) was the first youth organisation to negotiate for the Dutch Climate Agreement and even integrated elements of the Youth Climate Agenda into the Climate Agreement. Several JKB-initiated resolutions on climate regulation have been adopted in Parliament.

Youth for Human Rights in the Netherlands3 (Jongeren voor Mensenrechten Nederland) is part of the International Youth for Human Rights movement. They focus on education and awareness initiatives to promote understanding and respect for human rights among young people.

Youth for Climate the Netherlands4 organised a major climate strike in Utrecht in May 2023.

For the first time, youth representatives were invited to share their views regarding urgent challenges young people face during forming a new Dutch cabinet in spring 2021. They were organised as Coalition-Y and the Jongeren Denktank Corona crisis.

You can download the full report in this link.

Input_for_report_on_child_and_youth_human_rights_defenders

References

1 About NJR, NJR. https://www.njr.nl/en/about-njr/

2 Jonke Klimaat Wellbeing. https://www.jongeklimaatbeweging.nl/

3 What is youth for human rights?, Youth for Human Rights. https://nl.youthforhumanrights.org/

4 Youth for Climate NL, Youth for Climate. https://youthforclimate.nl/

Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council: the Netherlands

The past five years since the Netherlands’ previous Universal Periodic Review (UPR) have seen developments in certain areas. There have been concrete actions to protect and fulfil the human right of everyone to education. Concurrently, however, evidence has been gathered of multiple violations of the right within the same timeframe. It is imperative for the Netherlands, as a human rights duty-bearer, to address the different forms of discrimination and marginalisation experienced by vulnerable groups, which hinder their access to education, as well as the multiple other challenges these groups face, whether the challenges are based on socio-economic grounds or otherwise.

Under national and international human rights law, the government of the Netherlands is under an obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the right of every person to education, provide redress for the occurrence of such violations, and prevent them from happening.

By Farai Chikwanha

Download PDF

41st_Session_UN-UPR_Country_Review_Netherlands

Cover image by DennisM2.