Permitted and Prohibited Service Charge Items in Zoetermeer

In Zoetermeer, with its many modern apartment complexes such as in the Buytenwegh neighbourhood or around the Stadshart, not all costs may be passed on to tenants as service charges. Permitted items include, among others, cleaning of common areas, lift maintenance in apartment buildings on Oostwaalweg, building insurance and collection of household waste via the local Afvalbeheer Zoetermeer. Prohibited remain personal expenses, such as individual internet connections, replacement of tenant-specific appliances or commercial advertising in VvEs. According to Article 7:257 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), service charges must be reasonable and market-conform, without profit margin for the landlord – a rule that is strictly enforced in Zoetermeer rental properties. Tenants do not bear costs for structural major maintenance, such as roof repairs in older complexes near Zoetermeer-Zuid station, as that is at the landlord's expense. Invoices must be demonstrable and traceable to the rented object, with splitting based on consumption or surface area, in accordance with local VvE rules and deeds of division. In Zoetermeer, tenants often check via the municipality or the Huurcommissie whether costs are correct, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods like Seghwaert. Unlawful items can be refused and removed from the settlement; the Huurcommissie imposes fines for repeated violations. Tip for Zoetermeer tenants: request specifications and compare with rates from local providers such as Zoetermeer Energie or regional cleaning companies. This way you protect yourself against unjustified settlements in this growing city.