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Service costs settlement procedure Amsterdam

The **service costs settlement procedure** in Amsterdam regulates how tenants and landlords divide costs for maintenance and management. Discover how it works, your rights, obligations, and steps in case of disputes in the Amsterdam region.

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Service costs settlement: procedure Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, **service costs** are often charged for rental homes or office spaces for maintenance, management, and shared facilities. The **service costs settlement procedure** determines how these costs are calculated, allocated, and settled between landlord and tenant. This procedure is legally regulated and provides clarity, especially in a busy rental market like Amsterdam. In this article, you will read about the steps, your rights, and what to do in case of disputes. In case of problems, you can go to the Amsterdam District Court (Parnassusweg 220) or the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office (Vijzelstraat 77).

What are service costs in Amsterdam?

**Service costs** cover maintenance and management of shared spaces in apartment complexes, office buildings, or shopping centers in Amsterdam. Examples:

  • Cleaning and maintenance of stairwells, inner gardens, and parking lots.
  • Building and liability insurance for the building.
  • Usage costs for shared lighting and heating.
  • Waste processing, sewerage, and water for shared facilities.
  • Repair and inspection of elevators.
  • Administrative costs and salaries of VvE managers.
  • Garden maintenance and landscaping.
  • Disinfection and cleaning services.
These are advanced monthly via the rent. Annually, a supplementary payment or refund follows based on actual expenditures.

Note: Service costs differ from bare rent or personal energy bills. They concern exclusively shared building costs.

Legal basis in Amsterdam

Regulated in:

  • Act on Good Landlord and Good Tenant (Book 7 CC): Articles 7:290 et seq. on service costs settlement.
  • Civil Code Book 7, Title 7.1 and 7.3: Rights and obligations in rental and service costs.
  • ROZ model lease agreements: Often used in Amsterdam for detailed settlement rules.
Lease agreements specify local arrangements. In case of disputes: contact Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220 or Amsterdam Legal Aid Office, Vijzelstraat 77 for free advice.

Service costs settlement: step by step in Amsterdam

The procedure proceeds in a structured manner:

  1. 1. Monthly advance payment

    You pay an estimated advance via the rent price, based on expected costs.

  2. 2. Recording expenditures

    The landlord records all relevant invoices, such as from Amsterdam cleaning or maintenance companies.

  3. 3. Preparing the annual settlement

    Within three months after the end of the year (at the latest April 1), you receive the settlement with:

    • Overview of actual expenditures per item.
    • Your advances versus total.
    • Balance: repayment or additional payment.

  4. 4. Review and objection

    Check the specification. Questions within a reasonable period (often 6 weeks). In case of unreasonable costs: negotiate or go to the Rent Tribunal or Amsterdam District Court (Parnassusweg 220).

  5. 5. Payment or settlement

    Pay shortfall within the agreed period; surplus is refunded or offset against future rent.

Resolving disputes in Amsterdam

Dissatisfied with the settlement? Send a motivated objection. No solution? Contact:

  • Amsterdam Rent Team for advice.
  • Amsterdam Legal Aid Office, Vijzelstraat 77 for free assistance.
  • Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220 for proceedings.
Always keep invoices and correspondence.