Prohibited Costs for Renting a Home in Leiden
When renting a home in Leiden, landlords and real estate agents may not charge arbitrary extra fees. 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 access or keys is legally prohibited |
| Security Deposit | Yes, max 2 months | Refundable after rental period |
| First Month's Rent | Yes | Standard rent payment |
| Administrative Fees | Limited | Only reasonable costs permitted |
| Agency Fees Tenant | Usually not | Only if tenant instructed the agent themselves |
Agency Fees: The Rules
When Are These Costs Permitted?
Agency fees may only be charged to the tenant if:
- You yourself instructed the real estate agent
- The agent does not simultaneously act for the landlord
- There is a written agreement in place
If the agent also acts for the landlord (often the case), costs to the tenant are prohibited!
Paid Unduly? Claim Your Money Back!
Have you unduly paid key money or agency fees in Leiden? Follow these steps:
- Send a registered letter with a request for repayment
- Set a deadline of 14 days
- If no response: involve the court (straightforward case)
- Note the 5-year limitation period
Rules Regarding Security Deposit
A security deposit is permitted in Leiden, provided that:
- Maximum 2 months' base rent
- Refund after termination of the rental period
- Deduction only for proven damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Refund within a reasonable term
I paid €500 key money in Leiden, can I get this back?
Yes, key money is prohibited without exception. You can reclaim it, even if you have already signed the contract.
May a real estate agent in Leiden charge agency fees of one month's rent?
Only if you yourself approached the agent and they do not act for the landlord. In other cases, this is not permitted.
May the landlord deduct cleaning costs from my deposit?
This is only allowed if the property is much dirtier than at the start of the tenancy. Normal wear and tear is not a valid reason for deduction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rental Costs in Leiden
What is key money and why is it not permitted?
Key money is a payment for receiving keys or access to a rental property. This is always prohibited in the Netherlands, including Leiden, because it is an unreasonable extra cost unrelated to the rent. You can reclaim paid key money up to 5 years via a letter or the court.
May a real estate agent charge agency fees if I rent a property?
This is only allowed if you yourself hired the agent and they do not act for the landlord. This is often not the case, and then costs to you are prohibited. Check the situation and reclaim undue costs.
What is the maximum security deposit and when will I receive it back?
The landlord may request at most two months' base rent. Upon termination of the tenancy, it must be refunded within a short period (often two weeks), unless there is proven damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Court: District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location
Legal Aid Office: Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46
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