Rental Scams in the Netherlands: How to Stay Safe (Especially in The Hague)

Rental Scams in the Netherlands: How to Stay Safe (Especially in The Hague)

Introduction: The Hidden Danger in Your Housing Search

You've found the perfect studio te huur in The Hague. Great location, fair rent, cozy photos. But something feels... off.

Rental scams are more common than you’d think — especially in competitive markets like The Hague where students, expats, and young professionals rush to secure housing fast.

Let’s break down how rental scams work, what red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself (and your money).

Why Are Scammers Targeting Studio Apartments?

Studios are often:

In high demand from students and young renters

Rented quickly, which means less time to verify

Small and simple, so fake listings are easier to stage

If you're looking for a studio te huur in The Hague, you’re exactly the kind of renter scammers are targeting.

Common Rental Scams in the Netherlands

The “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Listing A spacious studio in the city center for €400/month? Yeah, no. If the price is way below market value, it’s almost always a scam.

Upfront Payment Without Viewing Scammers ask for a deposit before you've seen the place in person or via a video call. Once paid, they disappear.

Fake Landlords with Real Listings Some fraudsters copy real listings from legit platforms, then repost them with fake contact info.

“Use This Payment Service” They ask you to transfer money using sketchy third-party services “for your protection.” This is a trap.

Red Flags to Watch For

No phone number or unwilling to call

Pressure to send money quickly

Poor spelling, vague location details

Requests to communicate outside of trusted platforms

No viewing option or excuses about being "abroad"

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Use Verified Platforms Like Huisly When you search on Huisly, you're seeing listings from verified sources like Pararius, Funda, Kamernet, and more — all in one place.

This means:

No fake ads

No shady reposts

No hidden scams

Smart renters use Huisly because it's not just faster — it’s safer.

Always View the Property Either in person or via live video. Never pay for a property you've never seen.

Ask for Proper Documentation Request proof of ownership or rental rights if you're unsure. A real landlord won’t be offended.

Use Written Agreements Never rent a property based only on verbal agreements or casual texts.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Stop communication immediately

Contact your bank to try to reverse the payment

Report the scam to the Dutch police via fraudehelpdesk.nl

Alert the platform (if applicable) where you found the ad

Conclusion: Smart Renting Is Safe Renting

Scams are out there — but you can avoid them. By staying alert, trusting your gut, and using verified platforms like Huisly, you’ll stay safe while hunting for the perfect studio or apartment in The Hague.

Looking for a safe and secure way to find a studio te huur in The Hague? Try Huisly — the all-in-one platform that only shows real listings from trusted sources. No scams. No stress. Just your next home.