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Key Money Recovery: Your Rights

Discover how to recover key money in Delft for unreasonable costs or non-delivery. Steps, laws, and help via Juridisch Loket Delft and Rechtbank Den Haag.

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Recovering Key Money in Delft: Your Rights and Steps

Recovering key money in Delft means that as a tenant or buyer of a property, you request the refund of the amount paid for the keys from the landlord or seller. This is often possible in cases of non-compliance with agreements or unreasonable amounts. For residents of Delft, the jurisdiction of Rechtbank Den Haag (district) applies. This article provides local information, practical steps, and legal basis, including contact with Juridisch Loket Delft.

What is Key Money in Delft?

In Delft, with its mix of student housing and historic buildings, you pay key money for receiving property keys upon rental or purchase. This often covers costs for new keys or temporary delays. Amounts typically range between €50-€250, higher for smart locks in modern TU Delft complexes. It is not a legal obligation, but negotiable – check your lease agreement.

Legal Basis for Delft

No specific key money law, but relevant rules via the Civil Code (BW), applicable at Rechtbank Den Haag:

  • Lease Agreements (Civil Code Book 7, Title 4): Protects Delft tenants against unreasonable key money; claim refund for non-delivery.
  • Agreements (Art. 6:227 Civil Code): Challenge unfair clauses in your Delft lease or purchase agreement.
  • Unfair Practices (Art. 6:193a et seq. Civil Code): Misrepresentation by landlords in Delft? Invalid.
  • Sale of Goods (Art. 7:17 Civil Code): Ancillary costs must be reasonable for buyers in Delft.

Contact Juridisch Loket Delft (Phoenixstraat 48, 2611 AK Delft, tel: 0900-8020) for free advice.

When to Recover Key Money in Delft?

Common among Delft tenants in student houses or starter homes:

1. No Keys Delivered

Paid but no keys? Demand delivery in writing (registered mail); otherwise, recover via Juridisch Loket Delft.

2. Unreasonably High Amount

€200 for simple keys? Prove actual costs (€40-€60) and claim the remainder. Example: Paid €180, costs €60 = €120 back.

3. Misrepresentation

'Mandatory key money' while optional? Refund based on mistake (Art. 6:228 Civil Code). Report to Juridisch Loket Delft.

4. Keys Unused

If you do not receive or use the keys due to the landlord's fault, full refund possible.

Step-by-Step Plan for Delft

  1. Gather evidence: receipt, contract, correspondence.
  2. Send demand letter (template via Juridisch Loket Delft).
  3. No response? File claim at Rechtbank Den Haag, The Hague location (Prins Clauslaan 60, 2595 AH Den Haag).
  4. For rental disputes: Huurcommissie (free for initial advice).

Tip for Delft: In TU Delft student houses, key money is often standard; check SHRD (Student Housing Delft) guidelines.

Local Assistance

  • Juridisch Loket Delft: Free intake, make an appointment via website or 0900-8020.
  • Rechtbank Den Haag: Counter for pro bono lawyers.
  • Woonbond Delft: Additional rental advice.