Permissible service charges according to rental legislation in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, where the rental market is extremely tight with an average monthly rent of 1,200 euros for an apartment, not all costs may be passed on to tenants as service charges. According to the Rental Act (Article 7:257 of the Dutch Civil Code), these must be reasonable and market-conform, taking into account the high real estate pressure in the city. Permitted are advances for cleaning of stairwells in canal houses, lift maintenance in high-rise buildings such as in the Zuidas, and garden maintenance in green complexes like the Vondelpark area. Prohibited remain income-replacement costs such as vacancy or non-payment, which in Amsterdam is strictly monitored by the Amsterdam Housing Corporation (WCA). Energy costs for common areas in monumental buildings are allowed, but not for individual meters – note the Amsterdam energy-saving standards. Insurance premiums only if they are specifically landlord-related, excluding risks due to urban nuisance such as bicycle storage. Management costs in Amsterdam complexes may amount to a maximum of 15-20% of the total service charges, depending on the size and location, such as in HRA-applied properties. The settlement must be detailed per category with invoices, and tenants bear no costs for structural maintenance that falls under major repairs, such as foundation restoration in the canal belt. Check the allocation over tenants in proportion to surface area or consumption, fitting the Amsterdam diversity in housing types. In case of excess of the advance, the law requires repayment within six weeks; the Rent Tribunal tests against industry agreements and local pilots such as the Amsterdam Rent Team. Check the tenancy agreement for agreed costs, especially in corporation properties in neighbourhoods like Bijlmer or Oud-West, to avoid disputes and pay only lawful amounts. (278 words)