Key Money and Broker Fees in Utrecht: Preventing Double Charging

In Utrecht, real estate agents in the rental market often charge key money in addition to broker fees, leading to double charging. The Makelaarsregeling (Real Estate Agents Act) requires transparency in fee structures. As a tenant or buyer in Utrecht, you may not be required to pay extra key money if it is already included in the agent's commission, especially not in the tight Utrecht housing market around station areas such as Utrecht Centraal or CS. Recognize double costs: Invoices without clear specification or amounts above €150, common among Utrecht landlords in neighborhoods like Kanaleneiland or Lombok. Action plan: Compare invoices with the standard rates of the Utrecht NVM branch and demand recalculation. For rentals: Report to the Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport or the local Huurteam Utrecht for free advice. For purchases: File a complaint with the NVM complaints committee or the Utrecht Housing Disputes Committee. Case study: A family in the Utrecht neighborhood of Zuilen paid €350 total for a rental property, of which €120 was pure key money. After a complaint via Huurteam Utrecht and a formal demand letter, they received €140 back. Legal basis: Unjust enrichment (BW art. 6:203) and local enforcement via the Utrecht Housing Ordinance. Document all correspondence digitally, contact Juridisch Loket Utrecht for free support, and hold real estate agents accountable. This way, you save money in the expensive Utrecht market.