Service Costs in Temporary Rental in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, where temporary rental agreements are popular among students and expats in neighbourhoods such as Kralingen and Delfshaven, service costs (Article 7:259 DCC) include utilities such as water and electricity, maintenance of complexes and contributions to the Owners' Association. For temporary contracts, these costs must always be specified and charged as an advance, followed by an annual settlement based on actual expenses.
Transparency Obligation in Rotterdam Context
Rotterdam landlords, often active in the bustling port city with high rental pressure, are required to provide a detailed overview of expected service costs, including local rates for waste processing via the municipality. Tenants have the right to inspect the administration, for example with housing associations such as Woonbron. Without full specification, a maximum of 80% may be requested as an advance, to prevent abuses in the Rotterdam rental market.
Settlement and Dispute Resolution
Surpluses must be refunded to the tenant within six months. In case of shortfalls, the landlord may settle these with future rent payments. Disputes over service costs in Rotterdam are submitted to the Rent Tribunal; in cases of abuse, such as unreasonable items for Maasvlakte maintenance, the court may reduce the costs. Recent changes as of 2023 prohibit 'all-in renting' without specification, specifically aimed at the growing temporary rental in Rotterdam-South.