Expats looking for housing in the Netherlands often find that 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 in the housing market, which is prohibited in the Netherlands.

The tenancy law attorneys at 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 itself for expats?

Expats regularly encounter the following problems:

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

• Higher rent – for the same property, expats are charged a higher rent.

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

• Additional conditions – such as mandatory administrative fees or cleaning fees.

What does the law say?

In the Netherlands, the principle of equality: landlords may not make distinctions based on nationality, origin, or residence status.

This means that expats have the same rights as Dutch tenants. Requiring extra deposit or higher rent purely due to expat status can be deemed discrimination.

Examples from practice

• Expat in Amsterdam: had to pay 6 months’ deposit. The court ruled that this was excessive and discriminatory; the deposit was reduced.

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

• International student in Utrecht: was refused because he “had no permanent job”. The judge ruled that this was indirect discrimination.

Your rights as an expat

• You are entitled to a reasonable deposit (usually 1 to 2 months).

• You can have an excessive rent or deposit reviewed by the Rent Tribunal.

• You can take legal action in cases of discrimination.

• You may not be refused solely because you are an expat.

Checklist for expats facing discrimination

• 📑 Always ask for a written rental contract.

• 📉 Compare your terms with those of other tenants.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. May a landlord charge an expat a higher 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 home?
You can have this reviewed by the Rent Tribunal or a judge.

3. Is a landlord allowed to refuse to rent to expats?
No, this can be seen as discrimination.

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

Conclusion

Expats often encounter discrimination when renting a home, especially concerning deposits and rental terms. Remember that you have the same rights as any Dutch tenant and that you can take legal action against unequal treatment.

The tenancy law attorneys at Arslan Advocaten help expats with disputes about deposits, rental prices, and discrimination.