Service Charge Settlement: Procedure in The Hague
In The Hague, **service charges** are often charged for rental homes and offices for the maintenance and management of common areas. The **service charge settlement procedure** ensures a fair division between landlord and tenant. This is legally regulated and provides clarity. In this article, you will read the steps, your rights and what to do in case of disputes. Local assistance institutions such as the District Court of The Hague (Prins Clauslaan 60) and Juridisch Loket The Hague (Lutherse Burgwal 10) are ready to help.
What are service charges in The Hague?
Service charges cover maintenance and management of shared spaces in apartment complexes, offices or shopping premises in The Hague. Examples:
- Cleaning and maintenance of stairwells, Hague courtyards, parking lots and green areas.
- Insurance for fire, buildings and common risks.
- Lighting and heating in corridors and elevators.
- Water drainage, sewerage and waste processing.
- Elevator repairs and maintenance.
- Administrative costs of VvE managers or landlords.
- Garden maintenance and weed control in Hague gardens.
Note: Service charges differ from bare rent or personal energy bills. They are always shared among tenants in The Hague.
Legal basis in The Hague
Regulated in:
- Act on Good Landlord and Good Tenant (art. 7:290 DCC): Obligation for timely settlement.
- Dutch Civil Code Book 7: Rights regarding common costs.
- Lease agreement: Specific clauses on service charges.
Service Charge Settlement: Step by Step in The Hague
Follow this procedure for a correct settlement:
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1. Monthly Advance
You pay an estimated advance in your rent. Check this in your Hague lease agreement.
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2. Cost Registration
Landlord registers all invoices, such as for Hague cleaning services or elevator technicians.
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3. Preparing the Annual Settlement
Within 3 months after the end of the year (at the latest 31 March) you receive the settlement with:
- Actual cost overview.
- Specific items and invoices.
- Difference calculation: refund or additional payment.
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4. Checking and Objecting
Check the settlement within a reasonable period. Questions? Write to the landlord. No solution? Go to Juridisch Loket The Hague (Lutherse Burgwal 10).
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5. Resolving Disputes
In case of conflict: mediation or summons at District Court of The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60. The tenants' committee can also help in The Hague.
Your Rights as a Tenant in The Hague
- Settlement within 3 months with supporting documents.
- No pass-through of non-permissible costs (e.g. landlord's own costs).
- Refund within 30 days in case of surplus.
- Free advice at Juridisch Loket The Hague.
Local Assistance in The Hague
- District Court of The Hague: Prins Clauslaan 60, for proceedings.
- Juridisch Loket The Hague: Lutherse Burgwal 10, free first-line assistance.
- Huurteam The Hague for collective advice.