Recovery of Rental Deposit upon Termination of Tenancy

Upon termination of the tenancy, including by mutual consent, the tenant is entitled to repayment of the deposit minus deductible costs. The landlord may withhold amounts for damage, unpaid rent or service charges, provided they are proven and notified within a reasonable period. Standard practice includes an inspection upon handover to record the condition. According to Article 7:266 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), the deposit must be repaid within one month after handover, unless otherwise agreed. In case of dispute, the tenant may approach the Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal). Tips: take photos of the property, keep receipts for repairs and demand a detailed settlement. Landlords should be open to discussion to prevent escalation. In mutual consent scenarios, an agreement on the deposit is often reached in the termination document. This prevents lawsuits and promotes goodwill. Tenants with a guarantee fund have additional protection. Always check the original deposit amount and contract terms. (199 words)