Splitting All-in Rent Price in Zoetermeer - Procedure and Consequences
An all-in rent price means that you pay a fixed amount without specification of bare rent and service costs. This can be disadvantageous for tenants in Zoetermeer, because it is unclear exactly what you are paying for and applying for rent allowance becomes impossible. However, you have the right to request the landlord to split the rent price.
What Does an All-in Rent Price Entail?
With an all-in rent price, you pay a single amount that includes everything:
- Bare rent (for the accommodation itself)
- Service costs (such as maintenance and cleaning)
- Sometimes also costs for utilities (water, gas, electricity)
The disadvantage is that you do not know which part goes to the bare rent and which part to other costs.
Why is All-in Rent Disadvantageous?
| Problem | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No rent allowance possible | Only bare rent and specific service costs count towards allowance |
| Lack of transparency | You have no overview of the cost distribution |
| No service costs settlement | No right to an annual specification of costs |
| Risk of excessively high rent | Without splitting, control is difficult |
Your Right to Splitting of the Rent Price
Pursuant to the law (Article 7:258 DCC), you may ask the landlord to split the rent price:
- Send a written request to your landlord
- The landlord must respond within a reasonable period
- If there is no response or refusal, you can involve the Rent Tribunal
Steps with the Rent Tribunal
- Submit application: File a request with the Rent Tribunal (costs: €25)
- Analysis: The Rent Tribunal determines the bare rent
- Decision: The ruling is binding on tenant and landlord
- Retroactive effect: The splitting applies from the date of your application
Determination of the Bare Rent by the Rent Tribunal
The Rent Tribunal uses a fixed calculation:
The remaining 45% is considered service costs.
Example in Zoetermeer
Suppose your all-in rent is €950 per month:
- Bare rent: €950 × 55% = €522.50
- Service costs: €950 × 45% = €427.50
What are the Consequences of Splitting?
Advantages
- Right to rent allowance if the bare rent falls below the threshold
- Insight into service costs via an annual settlement
- Possibility to have the rent price checked
- More transparency about your expenses
Possible Disadvantages
- Service costs can be adjusted to actual costs
- Landlord can implement a rent increase (within statutory limits)
What to Do After Splitting?
If the rent price has been split, in Zoetermeer you can:
- Apply for rent allowance: If the bare rent is below the allowance threshold
- Have rent price tested: Within 6 months with the Rent Tribunal
- Check service costs: Request an annual specification
Social Housing or Free Sector in Zoetermeer?
After splitting, it becomes clear in which category your accommodation falls:
| Bare rent (2024) | Category | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum €879.66 | Social rent | Rent price protection via points system |
| Above €879.66 | Free sector | No rent price protection* |
*With the Affordable Rent Act, protection is extended to mid-rent segments.
Practical Example from Zoetermeer
A tenant pays €1,200 all-in for an apartment in Zoetermeer:
- Tenant requests splitting, but landlord does not respond
- Tenant approaches the Rent Tribunal
- Bare rent is set at €1,200 × 55% = €660
- Rent Tribunal tests rent price: maximum is €550 according to the points system
- Rent is reduced to €550 + service costs
- Tenant receives €110 per month back, including retroactive effect
Frequently Asked Questions about Rent in Zoetermeer
Can I apply for rent allowance without split rent?
No, the Tax Authorities require a clear bare rent. An all-in rent price is often too high for allowance.
What if my landlord refuses to split?
In case of refusal, you can involve the Rent Tribunal, which issues a binding ruling.
Do I get money back for excessively high rent?
Yes, if the Rent Tribunal determines that you paid too much, you will receive the difference back from the date of your request.
Do these rules also apply to private landlords in Zoetermeer?
Yes, the rules apply to all landlords, including private ones, for accommodations below the liberalisation threshold.
An all-in rent price is often disadvantageous for tenants in Zoetermeer. Request splitting and have your rent checked if you think you are paying too much. For legal assistance, you can contact the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Centre. In disputes, the District Court of The Hague may become involved.