As an expat, renting a home in the Netherlands can be a challenge. The housing market is tight, contracts are often drafted in Dutch, and expats regularly run into problems such as a high deposit, temporary contracts, or even discrimination. Fortunately, the same tenancy law and tenant protection

as for Dutch tenants..The tenancy law attorneys of

Arslan Advocaten

have extensive experience with expat cases and explain what you, as an expat, need to keep in mind.Deposit (security deposit) and expatsExpats often pay excessively high deposits, sometimes as much as 3 to 6 months’ rent. This is usually not allowed. In the Netherlands, a deposit of

• 1 to 2 months’ rent

• is normal.

• ✅ The deposit must be returned within 1 month after departure.

✅ The deposit may not be withheld for normal wear and tear.

✅ Expats are entitled to the same deposit terms as Dutch people.

👉 Read more: [Deposits and expats: why expats often pay more]Service charges: often too high or unjustifiedMany expats pay service charges without knowing what is included. Landlords sometimes charge

• double fees

• or charges that are not allowed at all.

• You are entitled to an annual statement.

Only reasonable and demonstrable costs are permitted.

You can reclaim overpaid service charges.

👉 Read more: [Service charges and expats: often too high or wrongly charged]

• Temporary rental contracts: pitfalls and rightsExpats often receive a temporary rental contract because they are in the Netherlands for a limited time. But this carries risks.A temporary contract only ends if the landlord

• confirms this in writing

• .Without confirmation, the contract continues for an indefinite period.A high security deposit for

temporary contracts

is usually not allowed.

👉 Read more: [Expats and temporary rental contracts: pitfalls and rights]

• Tenant protection for expats

• Many expats think that they have no tenant protection. That is not correct. Expats cannot just be evicted, either.

• Only a judge can order an eviction.

Rent and service charges can be reviewed.

Expats have the same protection as Dutch tenants.

👉 Read more: [Tenant protection for expats: the same rights as Dutch tenants]

• Termination of the tenancy or threat of eviction

• Landlords often pressure expats to leave voluntarily, sometimes with the threat of losing the deposit. This is not allowed.

• A landlord must always have a legal reason.

Eviction can only be carried out through the courts.

Expats may refuse a termination notice if it is invalid.

👉 Read more: [Expats and termination of the tenancy: what to do in case of notice or eviction]Discrimination in the housing marketExpats are sometimes treated unequally: higher deposit, higher rent, or refusal purely because they are expats. This is

• discrimination

• and prohibited.

• Equal rights apply to everyone, regardless of nationality.

You can legally challenge an excessive deposit or rent.

Refusal based on expat status can be considered discrimination.

• 👉 Read more: [Discrimination against expats in the housing market: what are your rights?]

• Checklist for expats when renting a home

• 📑 Always ask for a written (preferably English) rental contract.

• 📉 Do not pay more than 1 to 2 months’ deposit.

• 🧾 Ask for an annual statement of service charges.✉️ Ensure that a temporary contract is terminated correctly.⚖️ Hire a

tenancy law

lawyer for disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do expats have the same rights as Dutch tenants?
Yes, expats are fully covered by Dutch tenancy law and tenant protection.

2. How much security deposit is normal for expats?
1 to 2 months’ rent. Anything above that is usually excessive.

3. What if my landlord pressures me to leave?
You don’t have to leave just like that. Only a judge can order an eviction.

4. Can I prove discrimination?
Yes, for example in cases of an unjustifiably high deposit or rent compared to Dutch tenants.

5. Where can I go if my rights are violated?

At the Rent Tribunal or through a specialized tenancy law lawyer.

ConclusionExpats in the Netherlands have the same rights as Dutch tenants, but in practice are often disadvantaged with deposits, service charges, or rental contracts. Be aware that you have tenancy protection and can take legal action.The tenancy law lawyers at