Checking Service Charge Settlement in Rotterdam
A service charge settlement is an annual overview of costs for maintenance, management and services in your rental property in Rotterdam. As a tenant, you have the right to scrutinise it critically. Errors can lead to excessively high rents. This article explains how to check it, your rights and steps at Rechtbank Rotterdam, Wilhelminaplein 100-125.
What are service charges in Rotterdam?
Service charges include expenses charged by the landlord, provided they are reasonable, transparent and documented. The settlement must show costs, purpose and calculation. In Rotterdam apartment complexes, this is often relevant due to common areas.
Examples:
- Maintenance (cleaning, repairs, equipment)
- Management (administration, insurance, taxes)
- Common areas (lifts, gardens, Rotterdam VvE costs)
- Energy (gas, water, electricity)
Legal basis
Laid down in:
- Rental Act (BW Book 7, Title 2): Regulates pass-through of costs.
- Art. 7:203 BW: Costs must be reasonable, necessary and documented.
- Art. 7:204 BW: Clear settlement is mandatory.
- Art. 7:205 BW: Right to inspection and challenge.
Plus General Rental Conditions and lease agreement. In Rotterdam, stricter rules apply in case of deviations.
How do you check the settlement in Rotterdam?
Step-by-step check:
1. Accuracy of costs
Are the costs necessary and reasonable? Challenge excessive or disproportionate items, such as expensive renovations in Rotterdam flats.
- Excessive: €1,500 refrigerator vs. €800 alternative.
- Disproportionate: Full refurbishment unnecessary.
- Not attributable: Swimming pool or unused spaces.
2. Request evidence
Landlord must provide invoices, quotes. Request:
- Invoices/originals
- Quote comparisons
- VvE extracts
- Depreciation lists
Tip: No evidence? Challenge and do not pay.
What if there are uncertainties in Rotterdam?
Send a reasoned objection within a reasonable period (usually 6 weeks). No solution? Proceed to:
- Juridisch Loket Rotterdam, Westblaak 180: Free advice for low incomes.
- Rechtbank Rotterdam, Wilhelminaplein 100-125: Litigate via rental dispute.
- Huurcommissie for regulated rent.
In Rotterdam, the District Court handles many service charge cases; prepare your file with evidence.
Practical tips for Rotterdam tenants
- Always keep advances and settlements.
- Compare with neighbours in your complex.
- For large complexes: check VvE minutes.
- Challenge period: within 3-6 months.
With these steps, you protect yourself against unjustified costs in Rotterdam.