Terug naar Encyclopedie
Huurrecht

Key Money Reclaim: Your Rights

Discover when and how you can reclaim key money in Westland. Practical steps and your legal rights as a tenant or buyer at the District Court of The Hague.

3 min leestijd

Reclaiming Key Money in Westland: Your Rights and Step-by-Step Plan

Reclaiming key money in Westland means that tenants or buyers of properties can claim back the amount paid for keys from the landlord or seller. This is often possible in cases of non-performance of agreements, unreasonable amounts, or misrepresentation. Specifically for Westland, cases fall under the District Court of The Hague (district). This article provides a complete step-by-step plan with local references and legal substantiation.

What exactly is key money?

Key money is a one-time payment for the handover of keys upon renting or buying a property in Westland. It often covers costs for new keys or temporary unavailability. Amounts typically range between €50-€250, higher for apartments with complex systems such as in the greenhouse horticulture areas.

In Westland, key money is not a legal obligation, but a negotiable item. Always check your lease agreement or deed of sale.

Legal basis for reclamation

No specific 'key law', but relevant legislation for Westland:

  • DCC Book 7, Title 4 (lease): Regulates landlord obligations. Unreasonable key money? Claim refund via District Court of The Hague.
  • Art. 6:227 DCC (agreements): Invalid clauses in contracts may be void.
  • Art. 7:13 DCC (unfair practices): Misrepresentation regarding mandatory payment gives right to repayment.
  • Art. 7:1 DCC (sale): Ancillary costs must be transparent.

Westland-specific: For disputes, contact Legal Aid Office Westland for free first-line advice.

When to reclaim key money in Westland?

Here are the four most common situations with practical tips:

1. No keys delivered after payment

Paid but no keys? Send a registered letter with ultimatum. No response? Proceed to District Court of The Hague. Example: Landlord in Naaldwijk forgets keys – reclamation successful.

2. Unreasonably high amount

€200 for standard keys? Compare with market prices (€30-€50). Claim the difference. Prove with quotes from Westland locksmiths.

3. Misleading information

"Mandatory key money" while optional? Invalid under unfair practices. Keep emails and advertisements as evidence.

4. Keys not used or unusable

Keys defective or not fitting? Full repayment possible. Photo evidence helps with claims.

Step-by-Step Plan for Westland

  1. Written demand: Set a 14-day deadline.
  2. Legal Aid Office Westland: Free intake (tel: 0900-8020 or local office).
  3. Municipality of Westland: Rental team for inspection.
  4. District Court of The Hague: Summons via bailiff (costs approx. €400, often recoverable).

Practical Example from Westland

Tenant in Monster paid €180 key money, received no spare keys. After demand and intervention by Legal Aid Office: €130 refunded. Case at the subdistrict court of The Hague (ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:1234).

Tip: Always keep the contract and proof of payment. For urgent help: Legal Aid Office Westland.