Recovery of Rental Deposit upon Termination of Tenancy in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, where the rental market is tight and many tenants live in monumental buildings or new constructions, upon termination of the tenancy – including by mutual consent – you are entitled to repayment of the deposit minus deductible costs. Landlords may deduct for damage, unpaid rent or service charges such as the Amsterdam waste levy, but only if proven and notified within a reasonable term. A standard inspection upon handover, often in the presence of a real estate agent or neighbour, records the condition of the property, taking into account typical Amsterdam features such as canal houses or bicycle sheds. According to Article 7:266 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), the deposit must be repaid within one month after handover, unless otherwise agreed in writing in the tenancy agreement. In case of dispute, in Amsterdam you can go to the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) or the free Rent Team Amsterdam for advice and mediation. Tips for Amsterdammers: take photos of the property including contents, keep receipts for repairs to window frames or roofs, and demand a detailed settlement with specification. Landlords would do well to be open to discussion, especially in popular neighbourhoods like the Jordaan or De Pijp, to prevent escalation to the district court. In mutual consent scenarios, an agreement on the deposit is often reached in the termination document, which promotes goodwill on the competitive Amsterdam market. Tenants via the Housing Deposit Fund (Woonborgfonds) have extra protection. Always check the original deposit amount and contract terms, and consult the website of the Municipality of Amsterdam for local rental rules. (248 words)