Service Costs in Zoetermeer - What May a Landlord Charge?
In Zoetermeer, service costs are additional amounts that a landlord may charge on top of the bare rent for supplementary services and facilities. It is important to know that not all costs may simply be passed on. Moreover, the landlord must provide a clear settlement each year.
Definition of Service Costs
Service costs are payments for services and supplies related to living in a rental property. Examples include:
- Cleaning of shared spaces
- Electricity for lighting in common areas
- Services of a caretaker or concierge
- Repair and maintenance of lifts or heating installations
- Maintenance of shared gardens
- Insurance for broken glass
Bare Rent versus All-in Rent
| Category | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Bare rent | The base price for the property without extras |
| Service costs | Amounts for supplementary services |
| All-in rent | Combined price without breakdown |
For an all-in rent price, the landlord is obliged to specify the bare rent and service costs separately upon request.
Legally Permitted Service Costs
According to the law, only specific costs may be charged as service costs:
Supplies
- Gas, water and electricity (if supplied by the landlord)
- Heating and cooling (e.g. district heating)
- Waste processing (extra containers)
Services
- Cleaning of common areas
- Tasks of a caretaker
- Shared internet or antenna facilities
- Maintenance of shared installations
Other Costs
- Limited administration costs
- Broken glass insurance
- Furniture in common areas
Costs That Are Not Permitted
Some costs may not be passed on as service costs, such as:
- Repairs to the property itself (landlord's responsibility)
- Real estate tax (OZB)
- Sewerage levy costs
- Waterschap tax
- Building insurance
- Landlord's management costs
Mandatory Annual Settlement
A landlord must provide an overview of the service costs annually:
- Within 6 months after the end of the calendar year
- With a detailed specification of the costs
- With supporting documents (invoices available upon request)
- With a settlement of overpaid or underpaid amounts
Right of Inspection
As a tenant in Zoetermeer, you have the right to inspect the underlying documents and calculations of the service costs. The landlord must show these upon request.
Filing an Objection in Zoetermeer
If you disagree with the calculated service costs, you can take the following steps:
- Written protest: Ask the landlord for an explanation and evidence
- Rent Tribunal: Request an assessment (cost: €25)
- Deadline: Within 24 months after receipt of the settlement
Assessment by the Rent Tribunal
The Rent Tribunal can check:
- Whether the costs have been correctly designated as service costs
- Whether the amount is reasonable
- Whether the allocation among tenants is fair
- Whether the settlement was sent on time
Allocation of Service Costs
The cost allocation must be fair and transparent:
| Method | Application |
|---|---|
| Equal per property | For identical properties and facilities |
| Based on surface area | For different property sizes |
| Based on consumption | With individual meters |
| Based on number of occupants | For water or waste costs |
Service Costs and Rent Allowance in Zoetermeer
For rent allowance, the following count:
- The bare rent price
- Certain service costs (maximum €48 per month in 2024)
- Not included: costs for gas, water and electricity
Splitting All-in Rent
If you pay an all-in rent without specification, you can:
- Ask the landlord for a breakdown
- If refused: involve the Rent Tribunal for a decision
- The Rent Tribunal often sets the bare rent at 55% of the total price
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Costs in Zoetermeer
May the landlord increase service costs during the year?
This is only permitted if the costs demonstrably rise and this is properly substantiated. An annual adjustment is normal.
What if no settlement is provided?
Request a settlement in writing. If it does not arrive, you can contact the Rent Tribunal or seek advice from the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Centre.
Do I have to pay for unused services?
If a service is available to all tenants, the landlord may charge costs, even if you do not use it (e.g. a lift).
For more information or help with disputes about service costs in Zoetermeer, you can go to the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Centre or submit a case to the District Court of The Hague.