Almost three-quarters of students who carry out an online check on the rent they are paying find out their bill for their room is too high, students union LSVb said on Monday.

On average, students are paying €55 a month too much, but this rises to €100 in Amsterdam and Utrecht, the union said.

Single room rents are determined by strict rules, depending on the size and the facilities. Extra points are given if tenants have central heating, their own shower or kitchen while points can be taken away if, for example, students are banned from cooking or have to share a bathroom with more than eight people.

Private landlords are most likely to overcharge but housing cooperations are also at fault, the union said. It wants the government to take action against landlords who persistently overcharge.

‘At the moment it is up to tenants to take action on high rents and students are often intimidated by their landlords,’ the union said.