Withholding Deposit: What Evidence is Required in Utrecht?

In the withholding of the deposit for land lease in Utrecht, the lessor must provide concrete evidence, taking into account local regulations such as the Utrecht Housing Ordinance. Possible grounds include damage to the land, such as broken paving in a Utrecht allotment garden complex, overdue rent or cleaning costs after use of a recreational plot along the Kromme Rijn. According to Civil Code (BW) Article 7:241, the lessor must inform the lessee in a timely manner about the withholding, with specification and supporting documents such as invoices from local contractors, photos of the location or expert reports from Utrecht inspection agencies. Normal wear and tear, such as grass growth due to the typical Utrecht climate or light traces from bicycle storage, does not qualify as damage. Lessees in Utrecht can challenge the withholding at the district court in the palace on Hamburgerstraat, by providing their own evidence such as a joint end inspection by the Municipality of Utrecht or a tenants' association. The lessor bears the burden of proof; no withholding without invoices from Utrecht suppliers. In case of disagreement, the Utrecht district court often awards half if evidence is lacking, in accordance with recent cases regarding Amelanderweg plots. Practical examples: for a caravan site in park Transwijk, no withholding is allowed for seasonal maintenance such as leaf clearance. Always keep the lease intake, correspondence and reports with the Utrecht rental team. Lessors: prepare a detailed damage statement within 14 days after departure, with reference to local environmental regulations. This prevents proceedings at the District Court of Midden-Nederland. Lessees: respond in writing to claims and enlist the help of the Woonbond Utrecht. This way, you effectively enforce your rights in the Domstad. (278 words)