Checking Service Costs Settlement in Westland
In Westland, as a tenant you receive an annual service costs settlement from your landlord. This overview shows costs for maintenance, management and services in your rental property. You have the right to thoroughly check this settlement. Errors or unreasonable items can lead to overpaid rent. This article explains how to check, your statutory rights and steps in disputes, with specific information for Westland (district of the District Court of The Hague).
What do service costs consist of in Westland?
Service costs cover expenses for your property or complex, such as:
- Repair and cleaning (e.g. lift maintenance, painting work)
- Administration and insurance (e.g. building insurance, homeowners' association contributions)
- Common facilities (e.g. garden, parking spaces in Westland complexes)
- Utilities (e.g. water, heating costs)
Statutory rules for service costs
Key provisions from the Dutch Civil Code Book 7, Title 2:
- Art. 7:203 DCC: Pass-through only for reasonable, necessary and documented costs.
- Art. 7:204 DCC: Landlord must provide a clear settlement with specifications.
- Art. 7:205 DCC: You may inspect and dispute within a reasonable term.
Step-by-step check of service costs settlement
Follow these practical steps for your Westland property:
Step 1: Assess reasonableness of costs
Question: Are costs necessary and market-conform? Examples of disputable items:
- Excessively high prices: Luxury refrigerator at €1,400 vs. standard model €750.
- Disproportionate: Full garden renovation without necessity.
- Not attributable: Costs for unused facilities such as a sauna.
Step 2: Demand substantiation
Landlord must provide invoices, quotes and receipts. Request in Westland:
- Copies of paid invoices
- Price comparisons from at least 3 quotes
- Homeowners' association minutes or maintenance reports
- Depreciation schedules for long-term investments
What if you disagree? Actions in Westland
1. Write a letter: Send a registered objection within 6 months after settlement. Specify errors.
2. Seek help:
- Juridisch Loket Westland: Free tailored advice for tenants. Location: Westland, call 0900-8020 or visit branch.
- District Court of The Hague (district): For proceedings in Westland. File writ of summons via court registry.
- Rent Tribunal: For regulated rental properties (check via website).
Westland Tip: Local housing associations such as Vidomes or WestlandWonen often have their own rules; compare with DCC.
Sample objection letter for service costs
[Adapt] "Dear landlord, I dispute the service costs settlement [date] due to [specific items]. Send proof within 14 days. Otherwise I will not pay. Regards, [name]."
Last update: Current for Westland, district District Court of The Hague. Consult Juridisch Loket for personal advice.