In Rijswijk, with its many students and young professionals around TU Delft and the Hague region, strict deposit rules apply to room rentals and shared living to prevent abuse. The deposit may not exceed one month's rent (art. 7:232 CC), also in popular neighbourhoods such as Innenstad or Oud-Rijswijk with multiple housemates. Each tenant pays individually, but the landlord manages one joint sum. Specify in the contract the share per room or student house, taking into account local pressure on the rental market.
In case of damage, the landlord holds all tenants jointly and severally liable, but tenants settle this internally. Essential: prepare a joint inspection report upon moving in and out, with signatures from everyone – mandatory in Rijswijk rental properties. Without this document, the landlord may not make any deductions. Platforms such as Kamernet and Pararius, widely used in the Den Haag-Rijswijk region, recommend an escrow account for the deposit at local banks.
Upon early departure, the landlord must repay pro rata, after deduction of proven damage. Disputes are resolved via the Rent Tribunal in Den Haag, with emphasis on 'normal wear and tear' in busy Rijswijk houses. Example: a stain on the carpet caused by one housemate in a property on Willem Witsenlaan – only that person pays, not the group. Tenants can act jointly against unreasonable demands. The Good Landlordship Act (2023) requires landlords in Rijswijk to be transparent, especially private landlords. Tip: use the model room rental contract with deposit clause from the central government, and check local rules via the Municipality of Rijswijk for permits in living groups. (248 words)