Lease Agreement in Rijswijk - Essential Content and Guidelines
A lease agreement forms the basis of the arrangements between tenant and landlord regarding the use of a dwelling in Rijswijk. Although an oral agreement is legally valid, a written contract provides more certainty and protection for both parties.
Mandatory Elements of a Lease Agreement
A lease agreement must contain the following essential points:
1. Details of the Parties
- Full name and contact details of the landlord
- Full name and contact details of the tenant(s)
- For companies: KvK registration number and contact person
2. Description of the Leased Property
- Exact address of the dwelling in Rijswijk
- Type of dwelling (e.g., apartment, terraced house, studio)
- Surface area in m²
- Associated facilities (such as garage, garden or storage)
3. Rent Amount and Costs
- Base rent: Amount for the use of the dwelling
- Service charges: Additional costs for maintenance or services
- Advance for utilities: If applicable (water, gas, electricity)
- Total monthly charges: Sum of all costs
4. Start Date and Contract Term
- Start date of the rental period
- Indefinite or fixed-term agreement
- For fixed-term contract: end date
5. Payment Arrangements
- Payment frequency (usually monthly)
- Payment deadline
- Bank account number for transfer
Additional Recommended Provisions
It is advisable to include the following matters in addition to the mandatory points:
| Theme | To be specified |
|---|---|
| Deposit | Amount and conditions for repayment |
| Maintenance allocation | Responsibilities of tenant and landlord |
| Pets policy | Allowed or prohibited |
| Subletting | Rules and restrictions |
| Notice period | At least the statutory term |
| Complex rules | Homeowners' association regulations for apartments in Rijswijk |
Attachments to the Contract
The following documents are often attached:
- Inspection report: Condition of the dwelling at handover
- Energy certificate: Mandatory since 2015
- Rent composition: For social housing via points system
- Regulations: For apartment complexes in Rijswijk
- Inventory overview: For furnished rentals
Prohibited Clauses
Certain conditions in a lease contract are invalid or can be challenged:
- Restriction of tenant protection to the detriment of the tenant
- Excessive penalties not proportionate to damage
- Unilateral adjustment clauses without legal basis
- Mandatory purchase of expensive additional services
- Restriction of access to the rent tribunal
Social Housing versus Private Sector in Rijswijk
| Category | Social Housing | Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Rent cap 2024 | Maximum €879.66/month | Higher than €879.66/month |
| Rent increase | Bound by statutory limit | As stipulated in contract |
| Points system | Mandatory and binding | Not applicable (until 2024)* |
| Tenant protection | Full protection | Full protection |
*With the Affordable Rent Act, the points system may be extended to mid-range rental segments.
Checklist Prior to Signing
- Is the landlord the owner or authorized to rent?
- Does the description of the dwelling match reality?
- Are all costs transparently listed?
- Is the rent price reasonable or verifiable via the points system?
- Does the contract contain no unreasonable conditions?
- Is a detailed handover report available?
- Are all clauses clear and comprehensible?
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting in Rijswijk
Is a written lease contract mandatory?
No, an oral agreement is also legally valid, but without written proof, disputes are difficult to resolve.
Can a landlord impose additional conditions?
Yes, provided they do not conflict with the law. Unreasonable clauses can be declared invalid by the court.
What to do in case of ambiguities in the contract?
Ask for clarification from the landlord or seek assistance from the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk or a local tenant team.
A carefully drafted lease contract provides certainty for both tenant and landlord. Take the time to review everything and request adjustments for any ambiguities. For legal support in Rijswijk, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk or submit matters to the District Court of The Hague.