Termination of Rental Agreement Due to Deposit Dispute in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, a dispute over the deposit can lead to the termination of a rental agreement, particularly in the busy rental market of districts such as Delfshaven or Kralingen. Article 6:258 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) provides tenants with an escape route in case of the landlord's default, such as failing to refund the deposit within one month after departure. **Step 1:** Send a registered letter of demand, referencing Rotterdam tenant interest organizations. **Step 2:** Engage the regional Rent Commission in Rotterdam for a binding ruling on rental prices and deposit refunds. **Step 3:** Litigate at the subdistrict court in Rotterdam for termination and damages. Build strong evidence with emails, text messages, photos of the property's condition, and witness statements from neighbors. Tenants in Rotterdam may not simply leave without following the proper procedure, under penalty of a damage claim by the landlord. **Costs:** Court fees approximately €85 at the Rotterdam court. Successful in 70% of valid claims, supported by local precedents. **Advice:** Seek free assistance from the Legal Counter Rotterdam or the Woonbond Rotterdam. Pay attention to Rotterdam-specific rules for temporary contracts in the harbor district.