Rights and Obligations Regarding Deposit Refund in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, tenants have clear rights upon the refund of the deposit, while landlords have strict obligations. The landlord must repay the deposit within one month after the end of the tenancy period, as stipulated in Article 7:266 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Deductions are only permitted for proven damage, necessary cleaning costs, or outstanding service charges, always substantiated with invoices or photos. Tenants in Amsterdam are entitled to statutory interest on the deposit from the day of payment until full refund. If the landlord refuses, send a notice of default and contact the free Huurteam Amsterdam for advice or mediation. Landlords may not deduct costs for normal wear and tear, such as dulled paint or light scratches on floors due to daily use in a vibrant city like Amsterdam. Tenants must leave the property in the condition of the intake report, taking into account the high rental pressure. For private landlords in Amsterdam neighbourhoods such as De Pijp or Oud-West, the deposit is often held on a blocked account at a bank. For housing corporations such as Ymere or De Key, this is handled through their internal systems. For disputes, you can go to the Huurcommissie (free for regulated rentals) or the district court in Amsterdam. Example: deducting for 'laminate replacement' is unlawful if it is more than 5 years old, especially in older buildings. Document everything with photos, the intake report, and possibly a report from the Huurteam check. This way, you avoid disputes in the Amsterdam rental market. (248 words)