Can a private landlord ask for proof of identity?

Questioner

A landlord of a student studio asks for personal documents such as a recent bank statement and a copy of an ID before a viewing takes place. There has only been contact via app and a viewing cannot take place before the personal data has been provided. Is a landlord allowed to make such demands? In this case, it concerns renting in the private sector and not via a rental organisation.

Lawyer

It is common for private landlords to ask for certain documents, such as ID or bank statements, to check whether a potential tenant is able to pay the rent. While this is understandable, personal data must be handled with care in connection with the privacy of the tenant. That said, under Dutch law, specifically the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), landlords must have a legitimate reason to collect personal data and must also process this data in a correct manner. Under the GDPR, individuals have the right to protection of their personal data. A landlord cannot simply ask for a copy of an ID or bank statement. Furthermore, the Dutch Data Protection Authority warns that you may not simply provide a copy of your ID. There is a risk of identity fraud. You may be able to cover up certain information, such as your BSN. Without further details it is difficult to give concrete advice, but in general it is advised to be cautious about giving out personal details, especially if this is requested prior to a viewing. If in doubt it may be useful to seek legal advice.' ---------------- Please note! This advice is based on limited information and may be incomplete or even incorrect for your situation. Always consult a lawyer or attorney for your further steps. Read disclaimer: https://rechtswinkel.nl/disclaimer ---------------- Call us for further assistance Stichting Rechtswinkel.nl is a national organization with students and volunteers. We may be able to help you free of charge or refer you to a reliable lawyer or legal expert. Call us during office hours on 040 2350423.