In room rental or shared living, specific deposit rules apply to prevent abuse. The deposit may not exceed one month's rent (art. 7:232 CC), even with multiple housemates. Each tenant pays separately, but the landlord manages one total amount. Specify in the contract which portion applies per room.
In case of damage, the landlord holds all tenants jointly and severally liable, but tenants settle internally among themselves. Required: a joint inspection report upon move-in and move-out, with signatures. If absent, no deduction may be made. Popular platforms like Kamernet recommend depositing the deposit into an escrow account.
Upon early departure: the landlord must refund pro rata, minus damage. Disputes via the Rent Tribunal, with focus on 'normal wear and tear'. Example: a stain on the carpet caused by one housemate – only that person pays, not the entire group. Tenants can act collectively against unreasonable demands. The Good Landlordship Act (2023) requires landlords to provide transparency. Tip: conclude a room rental agreement with a deposit clause using the model from the central government. (197 words)