For international students in the Netherlands

Checking student housing in the Netherlands

Found a room in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Groningen or another Dutch city? Check the deposit, contract, service costs, registration and landlord before you pay or sign — especially if you're arranging it from abroad.

Why you check before you pay

The Dutch room market is tight: few rooms, many applicants and landlords who want a quick decision. International students are an easy target, because arranging housing from abroad makes it harder to view a room or verify a landlord.

A five-minute check takes the pressure off. You see which points stand out and which questions to ask, so you only decide once it adds up.

What to watch for

Deposit higher than usual

The deposit is normally the largest amount you pay up front. Ask what it is based on and how you get it back.

Question for the landlord

Can you confirm the basic rent and exactly how the deposit is calculated?

Possible source: Rijksoverheid — deposit (waarborgsom)

Registration at the address is not possible

If you cannot register at the address, it can affect allowances, your post and your residence status.

Question for the landlord

Why is registration at this address not possible, and is that stated in the contract?

Paying before a (physical) viewing

Transferring money before you have seen the room is a classic scam signal.

Question for the landlord

Can I view the room in person or via a reliable video call before I pay?

Possible source: Fraudehelpdesk

All-in rent without a breakdown

Without a breakdown you don't know which part is basic rent and which part is service costs or energy.

Question for the landlord

Can you itemise the basic rent, service costs and energy separately?

Possible source: Huurcommissie

No written contract beforehand

Without a contract you cannot check the agreements or prove them later.

Question for the landlord

Can you send the draft contract before I pay or agree to anything?

How KamerCheck helps

1

Add the room

Enter the basics — rent, deposit, city and landlord — or paste the listing text.

2

Complete the checklist

Answer short questions about the contract, costs, safety and the landlord.

3

See your score and red flags

You instantly get a risk score and the points to verify before you sign.

Frequently asked questions

Is the check free?

Yes. You create a free account and check your first room at no cost.

Does KamerCheck give legal advice?

No. We flag notable risks and give you concrete questions to ask. For legal certainty we point you to the Juridisch Loket or a tenants' organisation.

Does it work if I found the room elsewhere?

Yes. You enter the details yourself or paste the listing text, and KamerCheck pulls out the key points.

Read more

Check your own room now

Create a free account and add your first room. Within five minutes you'll know what to watch for.

Start your free room check