In the vibrant rental market of Rijswijk, with its popular neighbourhoods such as Innen and the central station, void clauses regularly appear that give landlords unfair advantage. A classic is the clause that obliges tenants to pay all repair costs, whereas Article 7:243 DCC provides that the landlord is responsible for major maintenance. With local housing associations such as Vidomes, we often see indexation clauses that deviate from the statutory Rent Freeze, and those are void.
Other examples specific to Rijswijk: a prohibition on painting by the tenant without permission, or an automatic rent increase without indexation. Clauses that exclude the tenant from statutory notice periods or that allow set-off of outstanding claims against the deposit above the statutory 2 months' rent, are systematically annulled by the District Court of The Hague – competent for Rijswijk. In room rental agreements around Delftse Hout or the VU side, a clause that holds the tenant jointly and severally liable for all housemates is often void due to conflict with reasonableness and fairness.
The Rent Tribunal, active in the Haaglanden region, publishes lists of 'black' clauses. Landlords in Rijswijk risk additional assessments if they adhere to void clauses. Tenants can challenge these via a non-judicial letter or summons at the subdistrict court in The Hague. Always preserve evidence, such as the contract, proof of payment and correspondence with the landlord. This way you prevent disputes and retain your rights in this tight Rijswijk rental market. (248 words)