Unjustified Key Money in Rental Agreements in Delft

Unjustified key money in rental agreements in Delft occurs more often than you think, especially in the popular student neighborhoods around TU Delft and the city center. As a tenant, you sometimes pay an amount for the transfer of keys, but this may not simply be charged as extra rent or deposit. According to Book 7, Title 4 of the Dutch Civil Code, every payment must be transparent and reasonable. In Delft, where the rental market is tight due to the influx of students and young professionals, this is often seen with private landlords in neighborhoods such as the Binnenwatersloot or the Nieuwe Langendijk. When is key money unjustified? For example, if the landlord has already included key costs in the rent price, or if the amount is disproportionately high compared to the actual costs (maximum €100 according to the Rent Tribunal guidelines). Step 1: Check your rental agreement for specific mentions, paying attention to Delftse Woningen or local real estate agent clauses. Step 2: Request a specification of costs and point out the regional guidelines. Step 3: File a complaint with the Rent Tribunal; for Delft residents, the regional office in The Hague is quickly accessible. Practical example: A student tenant in Delft paid €300 key money for a room near TU Delft, but got €220 back after the tribunal's intervention, because only €80 were actual costs for duplicates and administration. Legal tip: Keep all receipts, WhatsApp messages, and emails with landlords. In case of non-compliance, you can go to the district court in the Rechtbank Den Haag (Delft location) for repayment plus statutory interest. This way, you effectively protect your rights in the Delft rental market.