Reference Check

The Due Diligence Process

A referentiecheck, or reference check, is a standard part of the tenant screening process in the Netherlands. After a landlord or agent has selected a promising candidate, they will often undertake a process of due diligence to verify the claims made in the application. This is a broader and more active process than simply accepting a huurdersverklaring (landlord reference) at face value. The check can encompass multiple areas. The agent will almost certainly contact the employer listed on the application to confirm that the candidate is indeed employed there and that the income details on the payslip are accurate. They may also attempt to contact the previous landlord directly to ask more detailed questions than what is written on the formal declaration.

The stated goal of the referentiecheck is to build a complete picture of the applicant's reliability. The landlord wants to be assured of two main things: the tenant's ability to pay, and their likelihood of being a responsible resident. The check is an attempt to uncover any red flags that might not be apparent from the paperwork alone. For instance, a previous landlord might be willing to give a clean written statement but might offer a more nuanced, negative opinion when spoken to on the phone. This is why many agents insist on having direct contact details for the referees, not just a pre-written letter.

A Question of Privacy and Proportionality

While landlords have a legitimate interest in vetting tenants, the referentiecheck can sometimes stray into intrusive territory, raising serious questions about privacy. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), known in the Netherlands as the Algemene verordening gegevensbescherming (AVG), a landlord or agent must have a legitimate basis for processing your personal data and can only collect information that is necessary and proportionate to the goal of establishing a rental agreement. Asking your employer to confirm your salary is generally considered proportionate. Asking them about your performance or your personality is not. Likewise, a previous landlord can be asked about payment history and nuisance, but not about your personal life.

A skeptical tenant should be aware of their rights. You must give your consent for your references to be contacted. You have the right to know what information is being sought and to whom it will be disclosed. The process can feel like a one-sided investigation where your entire life is under scrutiny. In a market where dozens of people are competing for a single apartment, the pressure to consent to even intrusive checks is immense. However, tenants should be wary of any agent who asks for overly personal information or seems to be conducting a check that goes beyond verifying the core details of your financial stability and rental history. This can be a sign of an unprofessional or even discriminatory screening process.