Expats looking for a place to live in the Netherlands often find they are treated differently than Dutch tenants. They sometimes have to pay a higher deposit, face stricter conditions or are even refused. This can be seen as discrimination on the housing market, something that is prohibited in the Netherlands.

The rental law lawyers of Arslan Advocaten explain what discrimination looks like, what your rights are as an expat and what you can do if you are treated unfairly.

How does discrimination manifest for expats?

Expats often face the following problems:

• Higher deposit – expats often have to pay a deposit for 3 or even 6 months, while Dutch people pay 1 or 2 months.

• Higher rent – expats are asked to pay a higher rent for the same property.

• Refusal – some landlords prefer not to rent to expats or set stricter income requirements.

• Extra conditions – such as mandatory administrative costs or cleaning costs.

What does the law say?

In the Netherlands, the principle of equality applies: landlords are not allowed to discriminate on the basis of nationality, origin or residency status.

This means that expats have the same rights as Dutch tenants. An extra deposit or higher rent purely because of expat status can be considered discrimination.

Examples from practice

• Expat in Amsterdam: had to pay a 6-month deposit. The judge ruled that this was excessive and discriminatory; the deposit was reduced.

• Expats in The Hague: were offered a rental price that was € 300 per month higher than for Dutch people. This was reversed after objection.

• International student in Utrecht: was refused because he “did not have a permanent job”. The judge ruled that this was indirect discrimination.

Your rights as an expat

• You have the right to a reasonable deposit (usually 1 or 2 months).

• You can have a high rental price or deposit checked by the Rent Commission.

• You can take legal action in case of discrimination.

• You cannot be refused just because you are an expat.

Checklist for expats in case of discrimination

• 📑 Always ask for a written rental contract.

• 📉 Compare your conditions with those of other tenants.

• 🧾 Request an explanation if your deposit or rent is higher than normal.

• ⚖️ Consult a rental law lawyer if you suspect discrimination.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Can a landlord ask an expat for more deposit?
No, the rules apply to everyone: 1 to 2 months rent is normal.

2. What can I do if I pay more rent than Dutch people for the same property?
You can have this checked with the Rent Commission or the court.

3. Can a landlord refuse to rent to expats?
No, this can be considered discrimination.

4. As an expat, do I have the same rights as Dutch tenants?
Yes, you have exactly the same rights.

Conclusion

Expats often face discrimination when renting a property, especially in terms of deposit and rental conditions. Remember that you have the same rights as any Dutch tenant and that you can take legal action in case of inequality.

The rental law lawyers of Arslan Advocaten assist expats with disputes about deposit, rental prices and discrimination.