Can Landlord Review Service Charges? Tenants Netherlands

As a tenant in the Netherlands you want to know which service charges your landlord may pass on and whether those charges are justified. This article explains in plain language what service charges are, which rules apply under Dutch tenancy law, how to check requests or settlement statements and what steps you can take if you disagree with the calculation. You will get practical tips on which documents and pieces of evidence matter, how to file an objection with your landlord, and when you can involve the Rent Tribunal or a court. The aim is for you as a tenant to gain more control over service charges without legal jargon.

What are service charges?

Service charges are costs for shared facilities or services added on top of the base rent. Common items include:

• Heating and hot water (heating).
• Maintenance and cleaning of common areas (maintenance).
• Water consumption and sewer charges (water).
• Electricity for common lighting or lifts (fee).
• Insurance and administration fees (payment).

Can the landlord revise or change charges?

A landlord may only charge costs that are agreed in the lease or reasonably related to service charges. Changes to fixed service costs depend on the contract and statutory rules in the Civil Code Book 7 on tenancy law.^[1] If the settlement is unclear or costs are not itemized, you as a tenant have the right to ask for explanation and specification.

How to check a service charge settlement?

Follow these steps to evaluate a settlement before objecting or paying:

• Request an itemized settlement and supporting invoices (form).
• Check that amounts match receipts and agreements (evidence).
• Pay only the undisputed part if the amount is unclear (payment).
• Contact the landlord and present your questions in writing with evidence (contact).

What can you do if you disagree?

If the landlord does not respond or the settlement remains incorrect, you can:

• File a written objection and ask for further specification or correction (form).
• Lodge a complaint with the Rent Tribunal for disputes about service charges and their reasonableness (hearing).^[2]
• Gather documentation: contract, prior settlements, photos and payment receipts (evidence).
• In some cases engage the subdistrict court for other tenancy disputes (court).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the landlord add service charges retroactively?

The landlord may only add costs that are contractually allowed or reasonably follow from provided services; retroactive extras usually require explanation and proof.

Do I have a right to an itemized settlement?

Yes, you can request itemization and copies of invoices that substantiate the charges.

When should I contact the Rent Tribunal?

If you and the landlord cannot agree on service charges or their reasonableness, you can submit a request to the Rent Tribunal.^[2]

How-To

1. Request an itemized settlement within 14 days in writing (days).
2. Collect proof within 30 days: contracts, previous bills and payment receipts (evidence).
3. Call or email the landlord and note the contact and any agreements (contact).
4. If unresolved, submit a request to the Rent Tribunal or seek legal help within applicable deadlines (hearing).

Key Takeaways

• Always ask for an itemized settlement and keep records.
• Object in writing if charges are unclear or fall outside your lease.
• The Rent Tribunal can decide on disputes about reasonable service charges.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Rent Tribunal - information and forms
• [2] Wetten.nl - Civil Code Book 7 (Tenancy law)
• [3] Government.nl - housing and renting

1. [1] Huurcommissie - informatie en formulieren
2. [2] Wetten.nl - Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7 (Huurrecht)
3. [3] Government.nl - wonen en huren