In Westland, the negative option may not be used. As a resident of our municipality, you are not automatically bound by an agreement simply because you do not respond. Only your active approval counts as binding.
What is the negative option?
In this practice, your silence or lack of response is interpreted as agreement. Consider situations such as:
- "If you do not respond within two weeks, you accept the terms"
- A pre-checked checkbox in an online form
- A free trial period that transitions into a paid subscription without warning
In Westland, with its thriving horticulture sector, this sometimes occurs with suppliers of materials or services attempting to impose silent renewals.
Why is this not permitted?
This method qualifies as an unfair commercial practice under Article 6:193g of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC). Consumers in Westland must explicitly and consciously consent to purchases or subscriptions. For legal advice, contact Het Juridisch Loket Westland.
Practical examples in the region
- A trial subscription for horticultural machinery that automatically renews
- Unexpected delivery of seeds or tools with an attached invoice
- Pre-selected extras in online orders via local webshops
- Silent renewal of membership in a Westland cooperative
No payment obligation
Are you sold something in Westland via a negative option? You are not required to pay, as no legally valid agreement has been formed. Contact the Municipality of Westland or the Westland District Court if the matter escalates.
Addressing unsolicited deliveries
Do you receive unexpected products at home in Westland, such as unsold harvest or promotional materials? You may keep them without payment. The sender violates fair trading rules. Report it to Het Juridisch Loket Westland for support if needed.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.