When moving to a new rental property in Rijswijk, a municipality near The Hague with a thriving rental market, transfer costs such as key money or cleaning fees often arise. The Dutch Rental Act (Dutch Civil Code, Book 7, Article 231) limits these to reasonable and verifiable expenses. The maximum amounts are: €100 for key money and €250 for cleaning in cases of heavily soiled properties—rules that are strictly enforced in the Haaglanden region.
Exercising Your Rights: Request a detailed cost overview from the landlord before the transfer. If the landlord refuses, contact the Rijswijk Tenants’ Support Team (Huurteam) for free mediation. In case of escalation, you may turn to the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) for binding advice, which is swiftly applied locally.
Case Example: In Rijswijk, a tenant contested €450 in transfer costs for a property in the Innen district; the Rent Tribunal reduced this to €120. Key rule: Costs must be market-conform and may not generate profit for the landlord. Avoid pitfalls in Rijswijk by using a checklist: verify keys, meter readings, and conduct an inspection report in the presence of the neighborhood manager. This ensures a stress-free start in your new rental home in this green municipality.