In Zoetermeer, tenants have clear rights regarding the refund of their deposit, while landlords must comply with strict obligations. The landlord is required to refund the deposit within one month after the end of the tenancy, as stipulated in Article 7:266 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Deductions are only permitted for provable damage, cleaning costs, or outstanding payments, supported by evidence such as invoices.
Tenants in Zoetermeer are entitled to statutory interest on the deposit from the payment date until the refund. In case of refusal, you may send a notice of default and subsequently initiate proceedings at the subdistrict court in Zoetermeer. Landlords may not withhold unreasonable costs for normal wear and tear, such as peeling paint due to daily use in a Zoetermeer terraced house. Tenants must leave the property clean and in accordance with the inspection report.
For private landlords in Zoetermeer, the deposit is often held in a blocked account at a local bank; housing corporations such as Haag Wonen or Welgelegen use internal systems. For disputes in Zoetermeer, you can seek free assistance from the regional Rent Tribunal in The Hague or the subdistrict court at the Palace on the Markt. Example: withholding costs for 'carpet renewal' in a flat on Rokkeveenseweg is unjustified if the carpet is older than 5 years. Document with photos, the Zoetermeer inspection report, and witness statements to avoid misunderstandings in the rental market of this growing urban center.