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Housing fraud includes all forms of unlawful occupancy and misuse of a residence. This ranges from (sub)letting without permission to facilitating illegal activities, such as cannabis cultivation or prostitution.
Reporting housing fraud is essential as it contributes to a fair distribution of housing and helps maintain a safe living environment for everyone.
Below, you’ll find examples of housing fraud, how to recognize it, and the actions taken when it is identified. Together, we can combat housing fraud and promote a fair living environment. Your report will always be handled confidentially.
Examples of housing fraud
- If a residence is made available to another person with or without payment, without the permission of DUWO,
- Illegal activities such as the following are prohibited:
- Prostitution
- Cultivation of hemp, possession or production of drugs (including hemp, laughing gas, ecstasy, and designer drugs) or other drug-related activities that are prohibited under the Opium Act
- Possession or manufacture of weapons and/or ammunition or other actions prohibited under the Weapons and Ammunition Act
- Any other use contrary to the designated purpose of residential accommodation - Vacancy; the residence must be your primary residence
- Forgery of proof that you are registered with the educational institution
- Vacation rental of the residence
- Squatting in a rental property
- Using or making the residence available for business activities.
How do you recognize housing fraud?
Do you suspect housing fraud in your area? Keep an eye out for the following signs:
- A strange smell, such as a strong marijuana odor or an anise-like/chemical scent
- Buzzing and other unusual noises
- Warm walls
- Overflowing mailboxes
- No visible activity, with curtains always closed
- Different people entering and leaving the property, even at night
- Visitors leaving after only a few minutes
- Moving activities at unusual times
The dangers and consequences of housing fraud
Housing fraud is prohibited in the Netherlands and carries serious risks. It can lead to nuisance and social insecurity for nearby residents and the surrounding area. Additionally, cannabis- and drug-related activities can pose fire hazards. Illegal human trafficking and prostitution are also severe risks associated with housing fraud.
The importance of registration in the Personal Records Database (BRP)
As a tenant, you are required to have your primary residence in the rented property. Therefore, it is important that you register in the Personal Records Database (BRP in Dutch) with the municipality from the starting date of your rental agreement. This is not only a legal requirement but also ensures your eligibility for financial support from the government, such as housing allowance and student grants.
As soon as there are suspicions of housing fraud, we initiate an investigation in cooperation with relevant authorities, such as the police and the municipality. This investigation involves gathering information about the suspected housing fraud and determining the occurrence and severity of the fraud.
After a thorough evaluation and confirmation of housing fraud, the rental agreement will be terminated with immediate effect. This means that the tenant must vacate the property, and the rights and obligations under the rental agreement will no longer apply.
If necessary, we will take legal action, such as initiating legal proceedings. The costs thereof may be recovered from the tenant, to the extent determined by the court.
As a result of the housing fraud, the tenant will receive a negative statement from us as the landlord. A landlord statement contains information about, among other things, the rental history. This statement can have serious consequences for future rental or purchase agreements, as other landlords or real estate agents may request this information.
In addition to the termination of the rental agreement and any legal consequences, the tenant may be fined for violating the terms of the agreement.
DUWO can also claim damages from the tenant. In the case of illegal subletting, DUWO can also claim the benefits that the tenant gained from the illegal rental.
Report housing fraud (anonymously)
Do you suspect housing fraud? Reports of housing fraud are treated confidentially and can be submitted anonymously. We appreciate it if we can contact the reporter for more information, but this is not mandatory. Even if there is a suspicion, the case is carefully investigated, although this may take some time before results are obtained.
You can report housing fraud to us as follows (anonymously if desired):