Broker Fees and Key Money in Amsterdam: Preventing Double Charging

In the Amsterdam rental and purchase market, brokers often charge key money in addition to broker fees, leading to double charging. The Brokers Regulation (Real Estate Agents Act) requires transparency in fee structures. As a tenant or buyer in Amsterdam, you do not have to pay extra key money if it is already included in the broker's commission, especially not in the tight housing market of the city. Recognize double costs: Invoices without clear specification or amounts above €150, common for canal houses or new builds in Oost. Action plan: Compare invoices with the model contract from Huurstunt Amsterdam and demand recalculation. For rental: Report it to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate or the Amsterdam Housing Council for free advice. For purchase: File a complaint with the NVM complaints committee or the local real estate agents association. Case study: A young family in Amsterdam-South paid €350 total for an apartment in the Pijp, of which €120 was pure key money. After intervention by the Rent Team, they received €140 back. Legal basis: Unjust enrichment (DCC art. 6:203) and local rental policy rules. Document everything digitally, including WhatsApp conversations with the broker, and engage a lawyer via the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for a formal demand letter. This way, you hold Amsterdam brokers accountable and save money in this expensive market.