Rental housing agents in the Netherlands are facing scrutiny for increasingly demanding extensive financial information from prospective tenants before they are even allowed to view properties. This practice has raised concerns with privacy advocates and tenant associations, who argue that it is often unjustified and infringes on privacy rights.

The Dutch privacy watchdog, Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), has received a growing number of reports, with 50 complaints already filed, regarding rental agents requesting sensitive financial data, including bank links to verify income and expenses. Monique Verdier, deputy chairwoman of the AP, has stated that agents frequently lack a legitimate reason for demanding such detailed information and often fail to adequately explain why it is required to potential tenants.

Woonbond, a tenants’ association, contends that agents should only request financial information after a tenant has been offered the property. However, in practice, rental agents are reportedly demanding this information upfront, effectively creating a barrier for individuals seeking housing.

Verra rental agents defend their practices by claiming that bank links help to verify the accuracy of the provided data and prevent forgery. They also assert that this request is only made after a prospective tenant has viewed the property and expressed a desire to rent it.

However, refusing to allow agents to access bank account information can significantly reduce an applicant’s chances of being considered for the rental property. This creates a situation where individuals may feel pressured to share sensitive financial information to secure housing, even if they have reservations about doing so.