The deposit in rental agreements often forms a source of dispute in Rijswijk, especially in popular neighbourhoods such as Innen and Oud-Rijswijk where the rental market is tight. By law, the deposit may amount to a maximum of two months' base rent (article 7:266 DCC). A clause demanding more, such as three months or including service charges and parking costs, is null and void. Clauses that set off the deposit against outstanding accounts without the tenant's explicit consent, such as for municipal taxes, are also invalid.
Landlords in Rijswijk must repay the deposit within one month after the end of the tenancy, after deduction of any justified costs such as damage to the property. Always keep receipts and photos of the final inspection to avoid disputes, especially with housing associations such as Vidomes or Woonbron. If repayment is not forthcoming, first send a demand letter and then involve the Rent Tribunal, which handles cases quickly in the Haaglanden region. Interest on the deposit (6% per year) runs from the first day and is mandatory.
Null and void deposit clauses regularly lead to proceedings before the subdistrict court in The Hague, with success for tenants. An example from Rijswijk: a landlord withheld the deposit until all housemates from a shared student house had left, which the judge declared null and void. Landlords would do well to follow the standard rental agreement models from the central government or the municipality of Rijswijk. Tenants: check the contract upon signing at the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office and have dubious clauses struck out. In case of fraud, such as unnecessary deductions for 'cleaning', claim damages. Thus, you safeguard your wallet in the Rijswijk rental market. (248 words)