Here are a few cautionary measurements to consider during your housing search:
- Apartments next to the canals in the city of Amsterdam (for a cheap price) are incredibly rare. If this seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Trust your gut instinct when a housing option doesn’t feel good to you. Be extra cautious when you think the landlord could be scamming you. Check the address, the landlord and the letting agent via an internet search.
- If you are unsure whether the housing advert you found is a scam, you can ask us for a second opinion. You can e-mail studentaccommodation@vu.nl with the advert you have found.
- Use trusted websites you can find in the document with accommodation alternatives provided on our website.
- If you can’t view the apartment you are interested in beforehand, try asking a friend or classmate to view the apartment for you.
- Always ask if registration is possible! You will need to register yourself with the municipality on that address. If it’s not possible, there is a chance that it is an illegal sublet or scam.
- Scammers often ask for additional fees. Asking for a deposit is common, however other additional costs (agency fees, high admin-costs, contract costs) are not.
- You can check who owns the apartment in the Kadaster property register via this page for € 2,95 (orange button that says in Dutch ‘bestellen, per object 2,95’). If the owner and the prospective landlord are not the same ask for an explanation, and if necessary ask for a written authorisation confirming that the landlord and/or agency are acting on the owner’s behalf. If you live in Amsterdam and need assistance with this the Meldpunt Ongewenst Verhuurgedrag can help.
- If you do get scammed, immediately contact the police and press charges. Try to create a complete and clear file.
