Unjustified Key Money in Rental Contracts in Amsterdam

**Unjustified Key Money in Rental Contracts in Amsterdam** Unjustified key money in rental contracts in Amsterdam occurs more frequently than you might think, particularly in the tight housing market of the capital. As a tenant, you may sometimes pay a substantial amount for the transfer of keys, but this should not simply be regarded as additional rent or a deposit. According to Book 7, Title 4 of the Dutch Civil Code, every payment must be transparent and reasonable. In Amsterdam, where rental prices are already sky-high due to high demand for housing in neighborhoods like the Jordaan or De Pijp, this is particularly painful. ### When is Key Money Unjustified? Key money is unjustified, for example, if the landlord has already included the costs for keys in the rent or if the amount is disproportionately high compared to the actual costs (a maximum of €100 according to the guidelines of the Rent Commission). ### Steps to Recover Unjustified Key Money: 1. **Check your rental contract** for specific mentions, often hidden in the fine print by Amsterdam landlords. 2. **Request a detailed cost specification**, with reference to local regulations. 3. **File a complaint with the Rent Commission**; in Amsterdam, you can visit the regional office for swift processing. **Practical Example:** A tenant in Amsterdam’s De Pijp paid €300 in key money for a property on Ferdinand Bolstraat but received €250 back after the Rent Commission intervened, as only €50 constituted actual costs. ### Legal Tip for Amsterdam: Keep all receipts, emails, and correspondence, especially with private landlords in the city. In cases of non-compliance, you can approach the subdistrict court in Amsterdam to claim a refund plus statutory interest. This way, you effectively protect your rights in Amsterdam’s competitive rental market, where the municipality also takes strict action against excesses.