Rent Allowance Fraud in Utrecht: Legislation and Remedial Measures
In Utrecht, rent allowance fraud falls under the Rent Allowance Act, with intensive checks by the Tax and Customs Administration/Benefits in neighbourhoods such as Kanaleneiland, Overvecht and Lombok. Signals come via address checks, income data and links with the Municipality of Utrecht. Common fraud: fake rental contracts with Utrecht landlords or failing to disclose a partner in a shared apartment.
Detection and Investigation in Utrecht
Data linking between the Tax and Customs Administration, Municipality of Utrecht and local housing associations such as Portaal and Haag Wonen. In case of suspected fraud in Utrecht postcodes: information request to tenants, home visits by neighbourhood teams or even house search in consultation with the Utrecht police.
Consequences of Fraud
Mandatory repayment of unduly received benefit, fine up to 100% of the amount plus €650, and termination of the rent allowance. In Utrecht, tenants often report to the Legal Counter on the Oudegracht for advice. Lodge an objection within six weeks with the Tax and Customs Administration.
Appeal Procedure
After rejection of objection: file a statement of appeal with the District Court Midden-Nederland in Utrecht. Appeal possible with the Council of State in The Hague, with frequent cases from the Domstad.
- Voluntary payment prevents enforced collection via the Utrecht bailiff
- Statute of limitations of 5 years also applies to Utrecht cases
- Local assistance: Utrecht neighbourhood teams offer free clinic for benefits
Avoid problems with a correct application via toeslagen.nl. In case of errors in Utrecht rental properties: correct immediately and contact the Utrecht Customer Contact Centre of the Tax and Customs Administration for support.