How to spot a rental scam in NL 2026 — red flags list

by AstraNL Community▲ 41261 views

Saw a great apartment for 950 EUR in central Utrecht. Landlord asks deposit via bank transfer before viewing "because the demand is high." Trust my gut?

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THIS IS A SCAM 100 percent. Never pay a deposit before a physical viewing. Classic Dutch rental red flags in 2026: (1) Price 30 percent below market for the area. (2) Landlord "abroad" asks for upfront wire. (3) No in-person viewing offered, only photos. (4) Payment via Western Union, crypto, or "Airbnb link" that is not real Airbnb. (5) Rush pressure "another person is ready to pay tomorrow." (6) No signed tenancy agreement with KVK of landlord visible. Real legit flow: visit → sign huurovereenkomst → THEN pay first-month + deposit directly to landlord IBAN named on the contract. For student/expat, use Pararius, Funda Huur, Kamernet with verified tag. Never Marktplaats for rentals under 1200 EUR — too much scam there.

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