Service Costs in Temporary Rental in Zoetermeer
In Zoetermeer, where temporary rental agreements are popular among expats and starters in neighbourhoods such as Rokkeveen and Seghwaert, service costs (Article 7:259 DCC) include utilities such as water and electricity via Evides and Eneco, maintenance of green areas and contributions to local homeowners' associations. For temporary contracts, these costs must be specified in detail and charged as an advance, followed by an annual post-calculation in accordance with the requirements of the municipality of Zoetermeer.
Transparency Obligation in Zoetermeer
Landlords in Zoetermeer are required to provide a detailed overview of expected service costs, taking into account local rates for waste collection by the municipality and parking costs in the neighbourhood. Tenants have the right to inspect the landlord's administration, for example during a visit to the City Construction Office. In the event of insufficient specification, a maximum of 80% may be claimed as an advance, to prevent misunderstandings in this growing rental market.
Settlement and Dispute Resolution
Surpluses must be refunded to the tenant within six months. In the event of shortfalls, the landlord may settle these against future rent payments. Disputes over service costs in Zoetermeer are submitted to the Rent Tribunal in The Hague, with attention to local practices; in cases of abuse, the court may reduce the costs. Recent changes as of 2023 prohibit 'all-in renting' without specification, which is strictly enforced by the Zoetermeer rental teams.