Dispute Resolution for Unjust Withholding of Security Deposit in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, with its vibrant rental market in neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven, Kralingen and the Kop van Zuid, landlords often retain security deposits for dubious claims. The law provides clear avenues for dispute resolution. Start with a formal demand letter in which you demand a detailed specification of the costs. No response within 14 days? File a complaint with the Huurcommissie Rotterdam-Rijnmond, which issues a non-binding opinion within 6 weeks – often decisive for housing associations such as Woonbron or Vestia. For a binding ruling: serve a summons on the landlord at the district court in Rotterdam (location Coolsingel). Up to €25,000, no lawyer is required. Evidence is essential: take photos of the handover at the central station or the Erasmusbrug flat, keep emails with the letting agent and invoices. Attach the final inspection report, mandatory for Rotterdam landlords via municipal inspections. The judge bases the decision on 'reasonableness and fairness' (art. 6:248 BW), and unproven claims such as vague cleaning costs are consistently rejected. For room rentals in student housing around the University or temporary contracts in the port areas, the same rules apply, but check local notice periods via the Rotterdamse Huurdersbelangen. Costs: court fee €85, often recoverable upon success. Local organisations such as SP Rotterdam or Huurteam Rijnmond offer free assistance and mediation. Statistics: in Rotterdam cases, the tenant wins 75% of the time due to lack of landlord evidence. Avoid the courtroom with mediation via the Rotterdamse Woningcorporatiefederatie. Upon success: full security deposit repayment plus procedural costs, interest and sometimes damages. (248 words)