Many expats rent a home in the Netherlands through a real estate agent or mediation agency. Besides rent and deposit, they often have to pay extra costs such as “administrative costs”, “contract costs” or even “brokerage fees”. But be aware: a large part of these costs is unlawful.

The rental law lawyers at Arslan Advocaten explain which costs you do need to pay and how you can reclaim unjustly paid costs.

How do mediation services for expats work?

• Expats often quickly need a home and hire an agency.

• The agency arranges a home and often asks for high upfront costs.

• Expats often sign and pay without knowing if these costs are lawful.

What costs can an agency ask for?

✅ Permitted costs

• Rent (basic rent and any service costs).

• Deposit (normally 1 to 2 months rent).

• Any fee for optional services you really applied for (for example, translation services).

❌ Prohibited costs

• Brokerage fees if the agent acts for the landlord and the tenant.

• Administrative costs (such as file costs, contract costs).

• Key money or “registration fees”.

Why expats often overpay

1. Ignorance – expats don’t know the Dutch rules.

2. Time pressure – due to the tight housing market, expats sign quickly.

3. Language barrier – contracts are often only in Dutch.

Real-life examples

• Expat in Amsterdam: paid € 1.500 for brokerage fee. The court ruled these costs as unjust and they had to be repaid.

• Expats in The Hague: paid administrative costs and contract costs of € 400. These were reclaimed.

• International student in Utrecht: was charged key money. After legal steps, this was declared unlawful.

Your rights as an expat

• You do not have to pay prohibited costs.

• Unjustly paid costs can be reclaimed up to 5 years later.

• Expats have the same protections as Dutch tenants.

Checklist for expats at mediation agencies

• 📑 Always ask for a breakdown of all costs.

• 📉 Don’t pay brokerage fee if the agency also works for the landlord.

• 🧾 Keep receipts and proof of payment.

• ⚖️ Consult a lawyer to reclaim unjustly paid costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a real estate agent charge brokerage fees to an expat?
No, not if the agent also acts for the landlord.

2. Are administrative or contract costs allowed?
No, they are almost always prohibited.

3. Can I get back unjustly paid costs?
Yes, you can reclaim them, even up to 5 years later.

4. Are expats more frequently disadvantaged?
Yes, expats often overpay because they don’t know the rules.

Conclusion

Expats often unjustly pay brokerage, administrative, or contract costs. These costs are prohibited and can be reclaimed.

The rental law lawyers at Arslan Advocaten help expats get their money back and protect them against abuse by real estate agents and mediation agencies.