Rentbusters: Amsterdam launches city team on landlord abuses

Amsterdam has doubled the size of a team to crack down on landlords who overcharge, intimidate or discriminate against tenants and is encouraging worried tenants to report issues. Thanks to a new rental law, since January 1, 2025, local municipalities can pursue landlords for various abuses, from unlawfully making money on service charges to evading strict, Dutch rent controls. “And we also want to send a very clear signal to landlords… that we won’t be messed with.” Highest prices Dutch property prices reached their highest ever average in November last year and the Netherlands is an estimated 370,000 homes short of the demand. Sanja Commandeur, a member of the 16-strong city rental enforcements team, told Dutch News that they have already had reports of intimidation, overcharging on service charges and exploitative rents since the new law came in. “It is very difficult for renters, but we would advise to do everything in writing in order to have as much proof as possible.” She said that they believe they are only seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of exploitative behaviour, and encouraged anyone with questions to get in contact or seek advice from Woon foundation, which offers advice and legal support.