Rental Deposit in Westland: Withholding and Refund upon Termination

In Westland, with its greenhouses and residential areas in places such as Naaldwijk, Poeldijk and 's-Gravenzande, the deposit protects the landlord against damage. When may this be withheld and how do you get it back correctly in this region?

Rules regarding deposits in Westland

According to Article 7:266 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), the deposit may amount to a maximum of two months' rent. Landlords in Westland must deposit this into a blocked account, often via local banks such as Rabobank Westland. Upon termination of the tenancy agreement, after handing in the keys to the landlord in, for example, Monster or Kwintsheul, repayment must follow within one month. Local tenants sometimes report delays due to busyness in the greenhouse horticulture sector.

Grounds for withholding specific to Westland

Withholding is only permitted for demonstrable damage, such as broken windows in rental properties near the greenhouses, or rent arrears, with supporting documents. Standard cleaning does not qualify, unless explicitly stated in the contract – a common point of contention for Westland tenants. In case of dispute: contact the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) or proceed to the district court (kantonrechter) in The Hague, which handles many Westland cases.

Step-by-step plan for Westland tenants

Prepare a detailed handover report for your property in Wateringen or Maasdijk, take photos of the condition including garden or shed, and demand the deposit back in writing by e-mail or registered letter. In case of refusal by the landlord: have a bailiff issue a summons. Unjustified withholding often leads to interest, procedural costs and a judgment against the landlord. In Westland, 70% of tenants win such cases according to local case law. (287 words)