Prohibited Costs for Renting in Westland
When renting a property in Westland, landlords or real estate agents may not charge extra costs without restriction. Key money is always prohibited and agency fees are only permitted under specific conditions.
Which Costs Are Not Permitted?
| Cost Item | Permitted? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Key Money | No, never | Payment for keys or access is legally prohibited |
| Security Deposit | Yes, max 2 months | Returned after rental period |
| First Month's Rent | Yes | Standard rent payment |
| Administrative Fees | Limited | Only if reasonable |
| Agency Fees Tenant | Usually not | Only upon explicit instruction from tenant |
Agency Fees: The Rules
When Are These Costs Permitted?
Agency fees for tenants are only permitted if:
- You yourself have engaged the real estate agent
- The real estate agent does not also act for the landlord
- A written agreement exists
If the real estate agent also acts for the landlord (often the case), no costs may be charged to you!
Paid Unduly? Claim Your Money Back!
Have you in Westland unduly paid key money or agency fees?
- Send a registered letter with a request for repayment
- Set a deadline of 14 days
- If no response: involve the court (simple procedure)
- Prescription period is 5 years
Rules Regarding Security Deposit
A security deposit is permitted under the following conditions:
- Maximum 2 months' bare rent
- Repayment at the end of the tenancy
- Deduction only for proven damage
- Landlord must repay promptly
I paid €500 key money in Westland, can I get this back?
Yes, key money is prohibited throughout the Netherlands. You can reclaim it, even if you have already signed the contract.
May a real estate agent in Westland charge agency fees of one month's rent?
Only if you yourself have hired the real estate agent and they do not act for the landlord. In other cases, this is not permitted.
May the landlord deduct cleaning costs from my deposit?
This is only allowed if the property is much dirtier than at the start of the tenancy. Normal wear and tear is not a valid reason.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting in Westland
What is key money and why is it not permitted?
Key money is a payment for receiving the keys or access to a rental property. This is prohibited in the Netherlands, because it is an unreasonable extra cost unrelated to the rent. You can reclaim paid key money up to 5 years back.
May a real estate agent charge agency fees?
Only if you yourself have approached the real estate agent and they do not act for the landlord. Otherwise, it is not permitted.
What are the rules for a security deposit?
Maximum two months' rent, repayable after the rental period, provided there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Court: District Court of The Hague (district)
Legal Aid Office: Legal Aid Office Westland