Service Charges in the Rental Sector in Delft

In Delft, service charges cover utilities such as water and heating, maintenance of owners' associations (VvE) in historic buildings, and building management. However, these charges may not be included in the basic rent for points calculation purposes. Landlords in Delft, often active around the Technical University or in the old city center, specify service charges separately on the rental statement, with an annual settlement based on actual costs. Maximum prices apply to VvE contributions and services such as cleaning in communal areas, as seen in many student flats in the Buitenhof district. Tenants in Delft can verify invoices through the Woonbond or local tenants' associations and may reduce rent if the landlord fails to comply. In case of excess charges, you can file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal in The Hague, which handles many Delft cases. Recently, prepaid service charges have been prohibited, offering particular protection to Delft students against abuse. Rental agreements must be transparent about advance payments, taking into account local regulations on energy labels in listed buildings. This ensures no hidden costs and keeps rent affordable within the points-based maximum, specific to the Delft rental market.