Guides
What goes in your tenant file
With many people responding to every home, landlords often choose from the first complete responses. A tenant file that is ready to go makes the difference, as long as you only share what is needed.
The documents
| Document | What it shows | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Employer’s statement | Your employer, position, salary and type of contract | Ask your employer for one less than three months old |
| Payslips | Your current income | Usually the last three; hide your BSN |
| Employment contract | Your income if you’ve just started | Useful if you have no payslips yet |
| Landlord’s reference | That you paid rent on time and were a good tenant | Ask your current landlord or agent |
| Copy of ID | Who you are | Only after you’ve been chosen; hide BSN and photo |
| Short introduction | Who you are and who is moving with you | A few sentences in English or Dutch |
What a landlord may not ask
A landlord may never ask for your citizen service number (BSN). Nor may it ask about personal characteristics such as your religion, health, background or sexual orientation. What you share about this yourself is up to you.
Income and your previous rental history may be selection criteria. The landlord must have a clear, objective selection procedure and make it known.
Protect your ID and BSN
- Share a copy of your ID only once the landlord has chosen you.
- Hide your BSN and photo. The Dutch government’s KopieID app does this for you and lets you add a watermark saying what the copy is for.
- Also hide your BSN on payslips and on the employer’s statement.
- Send documents through a secure link where possible, not as loose email attachments to someone you don’t know.
Your introduction
A short introduction helps the landlord get to know you: who you are, who is moving with you, why this home and area, and when you’d like to start. Keep it personal and factual. You decide what you share.