Special rules for room rentals in Zoetermeer
In Zoetermeer, where room rentals are popular among students from TU Delft and young professionals near the city center and Seghwaert, the deposit for multiple tenants is often recorded as a single amount. Article 7:249 paragraph 2 of the Dutch Civil Code obliges the landlord to properly manage this security deposit and, upon departure of individual tenants, to divide it, taking into account the local rental market rules of the municipality of Zoetermeer.
Division method in Zoetermeer
- Proportional: Divide based on rental period, room size, or share in utilities, as is customary in inspections by the Rent Tribunal in the region.
- Attribute damage: Only to the responsible tenant, with proof of the joint condition inspection at check-in and check-out in Zoetermeer properties.
- Collective pot: In the case of a joint lease agreement, divide pro rata, in line with the strict enforcement of rental disputes in this growing city.
Practical procedure for Zoetermeer tenants
1. Document individual contributions explicitly in the lease agreement, including reference to the local Zoetermeer housing ordinance. 2. Conduct a check-out per tenant using a shared checklist, ideally with the cooperation of the neighborhood manager in areas such as Rokkeveen or Buytenwegh. 3. Pay out the deposit with the agreement of the remaining tenants to prevent future claims via the district court in Zoetermeer.
Legal obligations for landlords in Zoetermeer
Landlords must maintain an interest-bearing account for the deposit (Article 7:249 paragraph 3 Dutch Civil Code), with additional attention to the municipal guidelines against exploitative rents. In case of mismanagement, they risk fines from the Authority for Consumers & Markets or local enforcement. Tenants can act jointly against unlawful deductions, supported by advice from the Legal Counter in Zoetermeer.