Rights and Obligations Regarding Deposit Refund in Utrecht

In Utrecht, tenants have clear rights regarding the refund of the deposit, while landlords have strict obligations. The landlord must refund the deposit within one month after the end of the tenancy period, in accordance with Article 7:266 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Deductions are only permitted for proven damage, cleaning costs, or outstanding bills, always substantiated with supporting documents such as invoices. Tenants in Utrecht are entitled to statutory interest on the deposit from the date of payment until full refund. If the landlord refuses, send a notice of default and consider proceedings before the district court (kantonrechter) in Utrecht. Landlords may not deduct unreasonable costs for normal wear and tear, such as worn paint or scratches on floors due to daily use in a Utrecht property. Tenants must leave the property in the condition as recorded in the inspection report at the start of the tenancy. For private landlords in Utrecht, the deposit is often held on a blocked account at a bank such as Rabobank or ING. For housing corporations such as Portaal or Boelens de Jongh, this is handled through their internal systems. For disputes in Utrecht, you can approach the Huurcommissie free of charge or the district court at Catharijnepoort. Example: deducting costs for 'carpet renewal' in a student house on Biltstraat is unjustified if the carpet is older than 5 years and normally worn. Document everything with photos, the digital inspection report via the Utrecht Housing Platform, and witness statements. This way, you protect yourself against misunderstandings in the vibrant Utrecht rental market. (248 words)