What Are Service Charges?
Service charges are additional costs on top of the net rent for supplementary services and facilities. This includes expenses for heating, water supply, cleaning services, or maintenance of shared spaces. In Rijswijk, the landlord is required to provide a clear settlement each year.
Overview of Service Charges
| Type of Costs | Description | Settlement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Costs | Costs for heating and hot water | Based on actual usage |
| Water Consumption | Costs for water | Based on measured consumption |
| Common Electricity | Lighting in shared spaces such as stairwells | Divided among tenants |
| Cleaning Services | Maintenance of common areas | Proportionally divided |
| Janitor Services | Costs for a janitor | Fixed division among residents |
Mandatory Annual Settlement
The landlord in Rijswijk must:
- Provide a detailed annual overview
- Do so within an acceptable period after the end of the financial year
- Clearly indicate what you paid as an advance and what the actual costs were
- Refund any overpaid amounts if applicable
Inspection and Objection Procedure
Checking the Settlement
You have the right to inspect the underlying documentation:
- Request written access to the documents from your landlord
- Assess whether the costs are justified
- Check the accuracy of the allocation
- In case of disagreement: approach the Rent Tribunal in the Den Haag region
Final Settlement upon Termination of Tenancy
Upon vacating the property:
- The landlord prepares a final settlement
- This may take a few months, often after the end of the financial year
- A refund or additional payment may follow
- Sometimes this is offset against the deposit
Costs Not Considered Service Charges
Certain costs may not be passed on as service charges:
- Costs for major maintenance of the property
- Landlord's own management costs
- Real estate taxes
- Financial burdens such as interest or depreciation
Will I get money back for lower consumption?
Yes, if your actual consumption is below the advance paid, you will receive the difference back.
What if no settlement is provided?
Send a written reminder to the landlord. If there is no response, you can contact the Rent Tribunal via the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
May the landlord demand unlimited additional payments?
An additional payment must be within reasonable limits. For unreasonable increases, you can file an objection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Charges in Rijswijk
When will I receive the service charge settlement?
The landlord must provide an overview annually, usually within six months after the financial year. This means no later than June for the previous year. In case of delay, you can send a reminder or involve the Rent Tribunal.
How do I know if the service charges are correct?
You may request the relevant documents such as invoices from the landlord. Check if the costs are logical and if the allocation is fair. If in doubt, you can seek advice from the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
What to do in case of disagreement over the settlement?
Submit a written objection to the landlord with your arguments. If this does not help, you can submit the matter to the Rent Tribunal in the Den Haag region.
May the landlord adjust the service charges at will?
No, an increase must be based on actual cost increases and be reasonable. Unjustified increases can be challenged.