What Do Service Charges Mean?
Service charges are additional costs besides the bare rent for various services and facilities. This includes expenses for heating, water usage, cleaning work or maintenance of shared spaces. The landlord is obliged to provide an overview of these costs each year.
Overview of Service Charges
| Type of Costs | Description | Method of Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Heating costs | Costs for heating and hot water | Based on actual consumption |
| Water usage | Costs for water | Based on consumption |
| Communal electricity | Lighting in shared spaces such as stairwells | Divided among all tenants |
| Cleaning costs | Maintenance of communal areas | Fixed division among tenants |
| Janitor services | Costs for a janitor | Divided on a fixed basis |
Annual Cost Specification
The landlord has the following obligations:
- Provide an annual cost statement
- Do this within a reasonable period after the end of the financial year
- Clearly indicate what you paid as an advance and what the actual costs were
- Refund any overpaid amounts if applicable
Inspection and Objection Procedure
Checking the Settlement
You have the right to inspect the underlying documentation:
- Ask the landlord to view the documents
- Assess whether the costs are fair and reasonable
- Check whether the allocation has been carried out correctly
- In case of disagreement: approach the Rent Tribunal
Final Settlement upon Termination of Tenancy
If you terminate the tenancy:
- The landlord prepares a final settlement
- This may take several months, often after the end of the financial year
- A refund or additional payment may follow
- Sometimes this is offset against the deposit
Costs Not Qualifying as Service Charges
The landlord may not pass on certain costs:
- Costs for major maintenance of the property
- Administrative costs of the landlord itself
- Real estate taxes
- Financial burdens such as interest or depreciation
Will I get a refund for lower consumption?
Yes, if your actual consumption is lower than the advance paid, you will receive the difference back.
What if no settlement is sent?
Send a written reminder to the landlord. If no response follows, you can involve the Rent Tribunal.
May the landlord demand unreasonable additional payments?
Additional payments must remain within reasonable limits. For excessive amounts, you can file an objection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Charges in Westland
When will I receive the service charge settlement?
The landlord must provide an overview annually, usually within six months after the financial year. This means you will receive the settlement for the previous year no later than in June. In case of delay, you can send a written demand or contact the Rent Tribunal.
How do I know if the service charges are correct?
You may inspect the relevant documents, such as invoices and consumption data. Request this in writing from the landlord and check whether the costs and allocation are correct. If in doubt, you can seek advice or file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal.
What to do in case of disagreement about the settlement?
File a written objection with the landlord and explain why you disagree. If no solution is reached, you can submit the matter to the Rent Tribunal for a binding decision.
May the landlord adjust the service charges arbitrarily?
No, an increase must be based on actual cost increases and be reasonable. Unjustified increases can be challenged.