Withholding Deposit in Leiden: When May the Landlord Do This?

In Leiden, a landlord may not withhold the deposit arbitrarily. According to Article 7:220 BW, there must be demonstrable damage to the property, such as damaged floors in student rooms around Leiden University, or overdue payments. Damage must be reported and invoiced with receipts from local suppliers such as Gamma on Haarlemmerstraat within a reasonable period after check-out. In case of dispute over rental properties in popular neighbourhoods such as Professorenwijk or around Rapenburg, you can involve the Huurcommissie for a binding opinion. Always make a detailed delivery statement with photos upon check-in, especially for older buildings in the historic centre. If the landlord withholds unjustly, you are entitled to statutory interest from the end date of the tenancy. For Leiden residents, it is advisable to proceed via the district court in the Palace of Justice on Vondellaan if necessary. Avoid verbal agreements with landlords; record everything in writing, in accordance with the municipality of Leiden's rules for tenant protection. Students can also go to the Juridisch Loket on Breestraat for free advice.