In Zoetermeer, with its many rental properties in neighbourhoods such as Buytenweert and Seghwaert, the unjust withholding of security deposits frequently occurs with departing tenants. The law provides clear paths for dispute resolution. Start with a formal demand letter in which you demand a detailed specification from the landlord. No response within 14 days? File a complaint with the Huurcommissie in The Hague, which has jurisdiction for Zoetermeer and issues a non-binding opinion within 6 weeks – often followed by landlords nonetheless.
For a binding decision: serve a summons on the landlord at the district court in the Rechtbank Den Haag, Zoetermeer location. Up to €25,000, you do not need a lawyer. Evidence is essential: collect photos of the handover, emails with the landlord, paid invoices, and the final inspection report – in Zoetermeer often carried out by local inspection agencies such as Zoetermeer Inspectie.
The judge bases the decision on 'reasonableness and fairness' (art. 6:248 BW). Unproven claims of damage, such as stains on carpet in Zoetermeer flats, are usually rejected. For room rentals via platforms like Kamernet or temporary contracts in new construction projects such as Rokkehage, the same rules apply, but check local notice periods via the municipality of Zoetermeer.
Costs: court fee €85 at the district court, reimbursable if you win. Local tenants' organisations such as Huurteam Zoetermeer or Woonbond offer free advice and assistance. Statistics: approximately 70% of cases in the South Holland region are decided in favour of the tenant due to lack of landlord evidence. Try mediation via the rental agent in Zoetermeer first to prevent escalation. If successful: full security deposit repayment plus procedural costs, interest, and sometimes damages. (278 words)