When purchasing a property, key money is often presented as 'transfer costs,' but this can be contentious. The law on the sale of movable and immovable property (Dutch Civil Code, Books 3 and 7) requires that all additional costs be explicitly stated in the purchase agreement. Key money is generally not a standard charge unless it involves duplicates for multiple residents.
Reasons for reclaiming key money: If the seller promised new locks but failed to provide them, or if the amount exceeds the market-conforming price (averaging €75). Procedure: Send a registered letter demanding repayment within 14 days of transfer. If refused: Initiate court proceedings via a summons.
Example: A buyer in Rotterdam reclaimed €150 after discovering that old keys were reused without additional costs. The court ruled in their favor, citing misleading information. Tip: Have a notary review the deed for hidden clauses to avoid unnecessary expenses in your property transaction.