Permissible Service Costs According to Rental Legislation in Zoetermeer

Not all costs may be passed on as service costs to tenants in Zoetermeer. According to the Rental Act (Article 7:257 of the Dutch Civil Code), they must be reasonable and market-conform, which is particularly relevant in Zoetermeer due to the many new-build complexes in neighbourhoods such as Rokkeveen and Seghwaert. Permitted are advances for cleaning of stairwells, lift maintenance in flats on Oostwaalweg, and garden maintenance in green neighbourhoods such as Buytenwegh. Prohibited remain income-replacement costs such as vacancy or non-payment, even with local property managers. Energy costs for common areas in Zoetermeer apartment complexes are permitted, but not for individual meters in rental properties. Insurance premiums only if they are specifically for the landlord, not for general risks. Management costs in Zoetermeer may amount to a maximum of 15-20% of the total service costs, depending on the complex size, such as in the high-rise around Stadshart. The settlement must be detailed per category with invoices, and tenants often check this via the local Huurteam Zoetermeer. Tenants do not bear costs for structural maintenance that falls under major repairs, such as renovations in outdated flats in Driemanspolder. Check whether costs are fairly distributed among tenants in proportion to surface area or usage, fitting Zoetermeer's rental market. In case of excess of the advance, the law requires repayment within six weeks. Unlawful pass-through may lead to rent reduction via the Huurcommissie, which applies standards from industry agreements. Always check the lease agreement: which costs are explicitly agreed for your Zoetermeer property? This way you avoid disputes with landlords and only pay what is lawful. (248 words)