Special rules for room rentals in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam's vibrant rental market, where room rentals with multiple tenants are commonplace, the deposit often consists of one joint amount for the entire property. Article 7:249 paragraph 2 of the Dutch Civil Code obliges the landlord to properly manage and divide this security deposit upon the departure of individual tenants. In Amsterdam neighborhoods such as the Jordaan or De Pijp, this is frequently seen in shared canal houses.
Division method in the Amsterdam context
- Proportional: Divide based on rental period, room size, or proportionally to the base rent, taking into account Amsterdam's rent price ceilings.
- Attributing damage: Only to the responsible tenant, with evidence such as photos from the Amsterdam Rental Checklist.
- Collective pot: In the case of a joint tenancy agreement, divide pro rata, as is customary in student houses in Oud-West.
Practical procedure for Amsterdam
1. Document individual contributions explicitly in the tenancy agreement, including reference to Amsterdam rental rules. 2. Conduct a check-out per tenant using a shared checklist, possibly supported by the Woonspace Huurteam. 3. Pay out the deposit with the agreement of the remaining tenants to prevent disputes at the Amsterdam Rental Committee.
Legal obligations with local emphases
Landlords in Amsterdam must maintain an interest-bearing account for the deposit (Article 7:249 paragraph 3 of the Dutch Civil Code), with annual reporting to tenants. In case of mismanagement, they risk fines from the municipality or claims via the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office. Tenants can act jointly against unlawful deductions, supported by local tenants' unions.