Filing an Objection Against Service Costs Settlement

As a tenant, you can object to a service costs settlement if you discover inaccuracies. Start with a written response to the landlord within a reasonable period, ideally within three months of receipt. Specify which items you dispute, such as excessively high cleaning costs or undocumented repairs. Attach evidence, such as your own quotes or market prices. According to Article 7:263 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), the landlord must make the settlement transparent. If there is no response or it is rejected, involve the Huurcommissie for mediation. This procedure is free of charge and binding if the landlord provides insufficient evidence. For housing associations, a stricter deadline of two months often applies. Keep all correspondence and invoices. A successful objection can lead to repayment or offsetting against future service costs. Consult a tenancy law specialist for complex disputes. Prevent escalation by negotiating first. Declaring unjustified costs is unlawful and can lead to sanctions. This way, you maintain control over your housing costs and safeguard your rights as a tenant. (198 words)