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

In Amsterdam, a landlord may not withhold the deposit arbitrarily. According to article 7:220 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), there must be demonstrable damage or overdue payments relating to the rental property. Damage, such as scratches on the canal house floors or defects in the central heating system, must be reported within a reasonable period and invoiced with original receipts. In disputes over rental properties in neighbourhoods like De Pijp or the Jordaan, you can involve the Amsterdam Rent Tribunal for a binding decision. Always prepare a detailed handover statement with timestamped photos at check-in and have it signed by the landlord. Take into account the stricter local rules of the Municipality of Amsterdam regarding property inspections. If the landlord withholds unjustly, you are entitled to statutory interest from the end date of the tenancy period. Proceed via the Amsterdam district court if necessary, which specialises in rental disputes. Avoid verbal agreements; record everything in writing in the lease agreement, especially for popular expat homes. This way, you avoid problems in Amsterdam's vibrant rental market.