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Recovering Key Money in Rotterdam: Your Rights

Did you pay key money when renting or buying a property in Rotterdam? Learn when and how you can recover it via Rechtbank Rotterdam or Juridisch Loket Rotterdam. Practical steps and laws explained.

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Recovering Key Money in Rotterdam: Your Rights and Steps

Recovering key money in Rotterdam is possible as a tenant or buyer of a property. This applies to situations such as rental properties in Rotterdam Centrum or purchase apartments in Kralingen. Legally, you can claim the amount for non-compliance with agreements or unreasonable costs. In Rotterdam, the Rechtbank Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125) handles such cases. This article provides local insights, examples from the region, and assistance via the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam (Westblaak 180).

What is key money in Rotterdam?

In Rotterdam, you pay key money for the transfer of keys upon renting or buying. This often occurs with housing association properties in neighborhoods like Feijenoord or Delfshaven, or with private landlords in the skyline of the Maasstad. It covers costs for new keys or temporary delays, with amounts ranging from €50-€250 – higher for smart locks in new builds such as near the Erasmusbrug.

Key money is not a legal obligation, but a negotiable item. In Rotterdam, authorities such as the Huurcommissie strictly monitor abuse.

Legal Basis in Rotterdam

No specific key money law, but relevant rules apply locally:

  • Rental Act (BW Book 7, Title 4): Protects Rotterdam tenants against excesses; claim recovery via Rechtbank Rotterdam if keys are not provided.
  • Agreements (Art. 6:227 BW): Challenge unfair clauses in contracts for Rotterdam properties.
  • Unfair practices (Art. 7:13 BW): Misrepresentation by real estate agents in Rotterdam? Invalid via local courts.
  • Sale of Goods (Art. 7:1 BW): For purchases in Rotterdam, such as in Hillegersberg, no unexpected key costs.

When to Recover Key Money in Rotterdam?

Common cases in the port city:

1. No Keys Delivered

Paid but no keys for your Rotterdam rental property? Demand refund from landlord. Seek help at Juridisch Loket Rotterdam, Westblaak 180. If no response: summons via Rechtbank Rotterdam.

2. Excessive Key Money

€200 for standard keys in Rotterdam-Zuid? Prove actual costs (€40-€60) and claim the remainder. Local examples: housing associations like Woonbron apply maxima.

3. Misrepresentation

'Mandatory key money' stated by a Rotterdam real estate agent? Recover due to unfair practices. Report to Juridisch Loket.

4. Unused Keys

Keys not needed due to delay? Full refund possible, especially in Rotterdam new build projects.

Step-by-Step Plan for Rotterdam

  1. Gather evidence: payment proof, contract, correspondence.
  2. Formally demand from landlord/seller in writing.
  3. No response? Go to Juridisch Loket Rotterdam (Westblaak 180) for free advice.
  4. Court proceedings at Rechtbank Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125).

Practical Examples from Rotterdam

In 2023, a tenant in Rotterdam-Oost recovered €120 via the Rechtbank due to non-delivered spare keys. A buyer in Charlois received €80 after proving low costs.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Consult professionals.