Prohibited Costs for Rental Properties in Rijswijk
When renting a property in Rijswijk, landlords or real estate agents may not charge arbitrary extra fees. Key money is completely prohibited and agency fees are only permitted under specific conditions.
Which Costs Are Not Permitted?
| Cost Item | Permitted? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Key money | No, never | Payment for keys or access is not permitted |
| Security deposit | Yes, max 2 months | Refundable after rental period |
| First month's rent | Yes | Standard rent payment |
| Administrative fees | Limited | Only reasonable costs for contracts |
| Agency fees tenant | Usually not | Only with explicit instruction from tenant |
Rules Regarding Agency Fees
When Are These Costs Permitted?
Agency fees for tenants in Rijswijk are only permitted if:
- You yourself have engaged the real estate agent
- The real estate agent does not also work for the landlord
- A written agreement exists
If the real estate agent also acts for the landlord, which is common, no costs may be passed on to you.
Paid Unjustly? Here's What You Can Do!
Have you paid key money or agency fees unjustly in Rijswijk? Follow these steps:
- Send a registered letter with a request for repayment
- Set a deadline of 14 days
- If no response: involve the court via a simple procedure
- Note: the limitation period is 5 years
Regulations on Security Deposits
In Rijswijk, a security deposit is permitted under these conditions:
- Maximum two months' base rent
- Repayment at the end of the rental period
- Deduction only for proven damage, not normal wear and tear
- Landlord must repay within a short period
I paid €500 key money in Rijswijk, can I reclaim it?
Yes, key money is always prohibited. You can reclaim it, even if it is stated in the contract.
May a real estate agent in Rijswijk charge one month's rent as agency fees?
This is only permitted if you yourself have hired the real estate agent and they do not work for the landlord. Otherwise, it is not permitted.
Can the landlord deduct cleaning costs from my deposit?
Only if the property is significantly dirtier than at the start of the tenancy. Normal traces of use may not be deducted.
Local Assistance in Rijswijk
For legal support, you can go to the Rijswijk Legal Advice Centre. In case of disputes, you can file a case at the District Court of The Hague, under which Rijswijk falls.