May the deposit in Rotterdam be indexed?
Yes, in Rotterdam the deposit may be adjusted annually to inflation pursuant to Article 7:249 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), provided that this is explicitly included in the lease agreement for a rental property in neighbourhoods such as Kralingen or Delfshaven. This follows the consumer price index (CPI) of Statistics Netherlands (CBS), which is particularly relevant in the port city with high rental prices for landlords and tenants.
Calculation method for tenants in Rotterdam
Formula: New deposit = Old deposit × (New CPI / Old CPI). For example: For a deposit of €1200 in Rotterdam-Centre, where the CPI rises from 120 to 125, the new deposit becomes €1250. Tenants in popular neighbourhoods such as Witte de Withstraat can easily calculate this using CBS data.
Procedure for adjustment in Rotterdam
- Send timely written notice with detailed calculation, preferably by registered mail or e-mail, in accordance with Rotterdam rental practices.
- Tenant pays the difference; landlord deposits this into a blocked account at a notary office in Rotterdam.
- Upon termination of the lease, for example when leaving a property along the Maas, the deposit is refunded at the adjusted amount within 30 days.
Disputes and limits specific to Rotterdam
The deposit in Rotterdam may never exceed two times the monthly rent (statutory maximum under the Dutch Civil Code). In case of exceedance, often seen in the competitive rental market around the Erasmus Bridge, the tenant may demand a reduction via the local Rent Committee Rotterdam-Rijnmond. This body strictly reviews indexations and provides free advice for tenants in the region.