In Leiden, the negative option may not be used. As a resident of Leiden, you cannot be automatically bound to anything by remaining silent. Only your active 'yes' counts as consent.
What is the negative option?
In this practice, your silence or lack of response is treated as agreement. Consider situations such as:
- "If you do not respond within two weeks, you agree"
- A pre-checked checkbox on a form
- A free trial period that automatically continues as a paid subscription
Reason for the prohibition
This method falls under unfair commercial practices (Article 6:193g BW). In Leiden and surrounding areas, consumers must explicitly and knowingly consent to a purchase or membership to prevent deception.
Practical examples in the region
- A trial subscription that becomes paid without warning at local webshops
- Unexpected delivery of goods with an invoice, such as from Leiden mail-order companies
- Pre-checked extras during online orders with regional providers
- Ongoing gym membership in Leiden without your confirmation
No payment obligation
Is something imposed on you in Leiden via a negative option? Then you do not have to pay, as no legally valid agreement has been made. Contact the Juridisch Loket Leiden for free advice if this happens to you.
Addressing unsolicited shipments
Do you receive unexpected packages at your home in Leiden? You may keep them without cost. The sender violates fair trading rules. Report it to the Municipality of Leiden or the District Court of Leiden for support if needed.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.