What are the most common warning signs?

A rent well below similar homes, a landlord who is abroad and cannot show the home, pressure to pay a deposit to "reserve" it, payment by money transfer services or crypto, and a request for copies of your passport early on.

How can I check a landlord?

For a company, look it up in the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) register. For a private landlord you can check who owns the property in the Land Registry (Kadaster) for a small fee. Always view the home, in person or by live video, before paying.

What should I do if I was scammed?

Report it to the police (you can do this online for fraud), contact your bank immediately, and report the advertisement to the website where you found it.

How to spot rental scams in the Netherlands

Newcomers who search from abroad are the main target of rental scams. Almost every scam has the same core: you are asked to pay before you have seen the home or signed a real contract.

Last reviewed 12 November 2026. General information, not legal advice.

How the typical scam works

A nice, well-priced home is advertised on a website or social media. The "landlord" is abroad, cannot show the home, and asks you to pay a deposit or the first month's rent to reserve it, sometimes with a contract and a promise to send the keys by post. After payment, the landlord disappears.

Warning signs

The rent is far below similar homes in the same area.
You cannot view the home, in person or by live video.
You are asked to pay before viewing or signing, often urgently.
Payment by money transfer services, crypto or to a foreign account.
Early requests for a copy of your passport.
You are not allowed to register at the address.

Checks before you pay

View the home, or have someone you trust view it for you.
Check a company in the Chamber of Commerce register (KVK).
Check who owns the home in the Land Registry (Kadaster) for a small fee.
Pay to a Dutch or SEPA bank account in the name of the landlord or agency, and only after signing.

If it happened to you

Contact your bank straight away, report the fraud to the police (this can be done online), and report the advertisement to the website where you found it.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common warning signs?: A rent well below similar homes, a landlord who is abroad and cannot show the home, pressure to pay a deposit to "reserve" it, payment by money transfer services or crypto, and a request for copies of your passport early on.
How can I check a landlord?: For a company, look it up in the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) register. For a private landlord you can check who owns the property in the Land Registry (Kadaster) for a small fee. Always view the home, in person or by live video, before paying.
What should I do if I was scammed?: Report it to the police (you can do this online for fraud), contact your bank immediately, and report the advertisement to the website where you found it.