What Are Service Charges?
Service charges are additional costs next to the basic rent price for supplementary services or facilities. This includes expenses for heating, water usage, cleaning work or maintenance of shared spaces. Landlords are obliged to provide an overview of these costs each year.
Overview of Service Charges
| Type of Costs | Description | Settlement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Costs | Costs for heating and hot water | Based on actual consumption |
| Water Usage | Costs for water | Based on consumption |
| Common Electricity | Lighting in shared spaces such as stairwells | Divided among all tenants |
| Cleaning Services | Maintenance of common areas | Fixed division among tenants |
| Janitor Services | Costs for a janitor | Evenly divided |
Annual Specification of Costs
The landlord is obliged to:
- Provide a detailed cost overview each year
- Do this within an acceptable period after the end of the financial year
- Clearly indicate what you paid as advance and what the actual costs were
- Refund any overpaid amounts
Inspection and Objection Procedure
Checking the Settlement
You have the right to inspect the underlying documents:
- Request written access from your landlord
- Assess whether the costs are reasonable
- Check whether the division has been carried out correctly
- In case of disagreement: approach the Rent Tribunal
Final Settlement upon Termination of Tenancy
Upon vacating the property:
- The landlord prepares a final settlement
- This may take a few months, often after the end of the financial year
- A refund or additional payment may be required
- Sometimes this is settled against the deposit
Costs Not Qualifying as Service Charges
Certain costs may not be charged by the landlord as service charges:
- Repair and maintenance costs of the property
- Landlord's administrative costs
- Real estate taxes
- Financial burdens such as interest or depreciation
Will I get a refund for lower consumption?
If your actual consumption is lower than the advance paid, you will receive the difference back.
What if no settlement is sent?
Send a written reminder to the landlord. If there is no response, you can involve the Rent Tribunal.
May the landlord demand unreasonable additional payments?
Additional payments must fall within reasonable limits. For excessive amounts, you can lodge a protest.
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Charges in Zoetermeer
When will I receive the service charge settlement?
The landlord must send a settlement annually, usually within six months after the financial year. This means no later than June for the previous year. In case of delay, you can send a written reminder and otherwise approach the Rent Tribunal.
How do I know if the service charges are correct?
You may inspect the relevant documents, such as invoices and consumption data. Request this in writing from the landlord and assess whether the costs and division are fair. If in doubt, you can seek advice or object to the Rent Tribunal.
What to do in case of disagreement over the settlement?
Lodge a written objection with the landlord and explain why you disagree. If no solution is reached, you can ask the Rent Tribunal for a binding decision.
Can the landlord simply increase the service charges?
No, an increase must be based on actual cost increases and be reasonable. Unjustified increases can be challenged.
Help in Zoetermeer
For legal support, you can go to the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Centre. In disputes over service charges, a case can be submitted to the District Court of The Hague, under which Zoetermeer falls.