Prohibited Costs for Rental Housing in Utrecht
When renting a property in Utrecht, landlords and real estate agents may not impose extra costs at will. Key money is always prohibited, and agency fees are only permitted under specific conditions.
Which Costs Are Not Permitted?
| Cost Item | Permitted? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Key Money | No, never | Payment for keys or access is not permitted |
| Security Deposit | Yes, max 2 months | Refundable after rental period |
| First Month's Rent | Yes | Standard rent payment |
| Administrative Fees | Limited | Only reasonable costs for contract preparation |
| Agency Fees Tenant | Often not | Only with explicit instruction from tenant |
Rules Regarding Agency Fees
When Are These Costs Permitted?
Agency fees for tenants are only permitted if:
- You yourself have engaged the real estate agent
- The real estate agent does not also work for the landlord
- There is a written agreement regarding the instruction
If the real estate agent also represents the landlord (which is common), no costs may be charged to you!
Unjustified Payment? Reclaim Your Money!
If you have paid key money or agency fees unjustly, you can request a refund:
- Send a registered letter with a request for repayment
- Set a deadline of 14 days
- If no response: initiate a legal procedure (simple process)
- Note: you have 5 years before the claim prescribes
Security Deposit in Utrecht
A security deposit is permitted under these conditions:
- Maximum 2 months' base rent
- Refund after termination of the tenancy
- Deduction only for demonstrable damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Refund within a reasonable period by the landlord
I paid €500 key money in Utrecht, can I get it back?
Yes, key money is legally prohibited. You can reclaim it, even if you have already signed the contract.
May a real estate agent in Utrecht charge one month's rent as agency fees?
This is only permitted if you yourself have hired the real estate agent and they do not also act for the landlord. In other cases, it is not permitted.
May the landlord deduct cleaning costs from my deposit?
This is only permitted if the property is significantly dirtier than at the start of the tenancy. Normal wear and tear may not be a reason for deduction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rental Costs in Utrecht
What is key money and why is it not permitted?
Key money is a payment sometimes requested for obtaining keys or access to a rental property. This is completely prohibited in the Netherlands, because it is an unreasonable extra cost item unrelated to the rent price. You can reclaim paid key money up to 5 years via a letter or legal steps.
May agency fees be charged to me?
Only if you yourself have approached the real estate agent and they do not work for the landlord. This is often not the case, and then costs to you are prohibited. Check the situation and reclaim unjustified payments.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord may request?
A landlord may request at most two months' base rent as deposit. After the end of the tenancy, this amount must be refunded promptly, unless there is clear damage.
Legal Assistance in Utrecht
For support with rental disputes, you can go to:
- District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht