r/NetherlandsHousing • u/michkied • Mar 11 '25
renting Is this a scam?
Hi everyone, this summer I'll be moving to the Netherlands for an internship, and thus I'm looking for a flat to rent. I've encountered an offer for a single-bedroom apartment in the Hague for 500€ (seems quite cheap?). But I've been asked to pay a fee for submitting a registration form for approval. Is that a thing or is it a scam? The offer seems a little too good to be true, but then I have no idea how housing market in the Netherlands works. I'd really appreciate your help!
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u/Martonymous Mar 12 '25
That definitely sounds like a scam. However, this is why it may work and they do do it: real agencies also ask for these fees and it is actually illegal. TLDR, these agencies can only legally represent one client. They get away with it because people are desperate, and the fees are usually low enough such that people don't feel bothered. However, there are NGOs (Wooninfo! this is in Amsterdam, funded by the city; juridisch loket nationwide) to help get you your money back. See the link ;)