Renting a Room in Groningen? How to Share Your ID Safely With a Landlord

A request for your ID should come after you have checked that the room, landlord or housing provider is genuine. Ideally, you have viewed the room in person or through a live video call, spoken to the landlord and received clear information about the rent and rental agreement.

Be extra careful when someone asks for a passport copy before you have seen the room, especially if they claim to be abroad, pressure you to act quickly or ask for a deposit at the same time. These are common signs of housing fraud.

A real landlord may need to confirm who you are, but that does not mean you should immediately send a full, unprotected scan of your passport through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or a private email address.

Before sharing anything, ask why the landlord needs a copy and what information they actually require. In many situations, showing your ID during a viewing or contract signing is enough. A landlord may need to confirm your identity, but they do not automatically need every detail shown on your document.

This is especially important when you are still applying for a room. At that stage, you can often provide basic information about yourself, such as your name, study programme, expected move-in date and proof that you can pay the rent. A full copy of your ID should not be your first step in an application.

If the landlord cannot explain why they need the copy, or becomes impatient when you ask questions, treat that as a warning sign.

When a verified landlord or housing provider genuinely needs a copy, make a safe version instead of sending an untouched photo or scan.

The Dutch government’s KopieID app can help you create a protected copy. It allows you to hide information that the recipient does not need and add a watermark to the image.

Always make your BSN unreadable, including the BSN shown in the number string at the bottom of your passport or identity card. Your BSN is a personal number used by Dutch government organisations, and it should not be shared unless there is a clear legal reason to do so.

Add a visible note or watermark explaining exactly who the copy is for and why you are sharing it. For example, you could write: “Copy for [name of landlord or agency] – rental application for [address] – [date].” This makes it much harder for someone to reuse your document for another purpose.

You should also mark the document clearly as a copy. That small detail can make a big difference if the image is ever shared or misused.

Only send your protected copy once you are confident that you are dealing with the real landlord, agency or housing organisation. Check that the email address, website and contact details match the organisation you are speaking to.

Avoid sending your document through an unverified social-media account or a random WhatsApp number. If you are renting through a housing platform, use its official messaging system or upload area where possible.

If you are unsure, ask whether you can show your ID in person instead. This is often safer than sending a digital copy, particularly when you are still deciding whether to rent the room.

A landlord should never keep your original passport, identity card or residence permit. You may be asked to show it for identification, but the original document stays with you.

Do not leave your ID behind after a viewing, and never hand it over as a condition for reserving a room. You should also be cautious if someone asks for both your ID and a deposit before you have signed a rental agreement.

Your personal document is not a booking fee, a guarantee or proof that you are serious about renting. It is your identity, and it deserves careful handling.

Housing searches can be stressful, especially when you are trying to arrange a room from abroad. Scammers rely on that pressure. They may tell you that several other students are waiting, that the room will disappear in an hour or that they can only prepare the contract once they have your passport copy.

Take a breath and slow down. A genuine room will still come with a clear agreement, a verifiable landlord and a safe way to handle your details.

If something does not feel right, do not send your ID and do not transfer money. Ask someone you trust to check the listing, contact the At Home in Groningen helpdesk or speak to the Rent Support Center Groningen for advice.

A safe housing search is not about being suspicious of everyone. It is about sharing your information carefully, asking the right questions and staying in control of your personal data.