Recovery of Security Deposit for Land Lease in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, where land is scarce and tenants often rent parking spaces in P-policy zones or garden plots in allotment gardens, recovering a security deposit for land lease is a crucial process. At the end of the lease agreement, the landlord must repay the security deposit within a reasonable period, usually within one month, unless there are valid reasons for withholding it, such as damage to an Amsterdam street parking space or allotment garden plot. As a tenant, you can submit a written request with proof of good condition, such as photos of the land before and after, or an inspection report from the Municipality of Amsterdam for public areas. If the security deposit is not returned, send a notice of default and, if necessary, proceed to the district court in Amsterdam, located at Prins Hendrikkade 48. The judge assesses whether the landlord demonstrates damage with invoices, quotes, or witness statements, taking into account local rules such as the APV (General Local Ordinance). Important: check the lease agreement for specific provisions regarding the security deposit, but in case of disagreement, Book 7 of the Civil Code (BW) applies, which prescribes a reasonable period. Tenants in Amsterdam often win cases when landlords fail to provide proof of damage, for example, in cases of normal wear and tear from bicycles or gardening. Landlords may only make deductions for proven damage, not for usual deviations. Practical tips for Amsterdammers: conduct a joint inspection at the start and end, photograph everything, and keep all correspondence via email or post. For allotment gardens via the AVV (Amsterdam Association of Allotment Gardeners), additional rules apply. This way, you avoid disputes with landlords in neighborhoods like De Pijp or Oud-West and get your security deposit back quickly. Consult free legal advice at the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam for personal guidance. (312 words)