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Checking Service Charge Settlement in Delft

Carefully check your service charge settlement in Delft to avoid errors or unreasonable costs. Discover your rights, step-by-step plan, and help via Juridisch Loket Delft.

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Checking Service Charge Settlement in Delft

A service charge settlement is an annual overview of costs for maintenance, management, and services in your rental property in Delft. As a tenant, you have the right to thoroughly check this settlement. Errors or unreasonable items can lead to overpayments. This article explains how to check it, your statutory rights, and steps in case of disputes, with local information for Delft.

What does a service charge settlement include?

The settlement shows costs advanced by the landlord and passed on, provided they are reasonable, transparent, and documented. In Delft, with many apartment complexes, this often includes lift and garden maintenance. The specification must clearly show costs, purpose, and calculation.

Typical service charges:

  • Maintenance (cleaning, repairs, equipment replacement)
  • Management (administration, insurance, local taxes)
  • Communal (lifts, Delft garden or greenery provision)
  • Water, gas, and electricity supply

Statutory basis for Delft

Key rules in Civil Code Book 7, Title 2:

  • Art. 7:203 CC: Pass-through only for reasonable, necessary, and documented costs.
  • Art. 7:204 CC: Obligation to provide a clear settlement with cost overview and calculation.
  • Art. 7:205 CC: Your right to inspection and challenge.

The General Tenancy Conditions and lease agreement also apply. In case of deviation, the law prevails. For Delft: the competent court is District Court of The Hague (district).

Step-by-step plan for checking

Follow this plan for your Delft rental property:

1. Assess reasonableness of costs

Question: Necessary and proportional? Disputable examples:

  • Excessively high prices: New washing machine €1,200 vs. market rate €700.
  • Disproportional: Complete complex renovation while minimal repairs sufficed.
  • Not attributable: Costs for swimming pool or unused Delft facilities.

2. Request supporting documents

Landlord must provide invoices, quotes, and documents:

  • Invoices and copies
  • Price comparisons
  • Homeowners' association minutes
  • Depreciation schedules
No proof? Challenge and do not pay.

3. Deadlines and action

Respond within a reasonable period (often 6 months). Send objection by registered mail. If no solution: Rent Tribunal or District Court of The Hague.

Help in Delft

  • Juridisch Loket Delft: Free advice. Address: [fill in local address], tel: [number].
  • Delft Tenants' Team: Local tenants' support.
  • District Court of The Hague: For proceedings (Delft district).

Conclusion

Always check your service charge settlement in Delft. Use your rights under the Civil Code and seek help from Juridisch Loket Delft or District Court of The Hague in case of problems.