Are you looking for a home or room to rent in Utrecht or have you just found one? Be sure to know your rights before signing. If you are going to sign, ask if the landlord is the legal owner of the property. This isn’t always clear with smaller, private landlords. If you are unsure, you can view the property register (kadaster) to see who legally owns the property.
Check your adress
A list of addresses of landlords has recently been published on the website of the municipality of Utrecht, where it has been established that there is, for example, overdue maintenance or even illegal leasing. The municipality wants to protect tenants by publishing the list. Check your address before signing a contract.
Deposit
The landlord may request a deposit to cover the costs of any damage, losses or unpaid rent after the rental agreement has ended. The average deposit is one month’s rent. Be sure to record this officially and request a receipt. The deposit must be returned if no damage has been caused and no rent is overdue. If you are planning to move, ensure that agreements are made in advance regarding the property’s handover so that your deposit is returned to you.
Mediation fee
Landlords may also charge you for contract and/or administration costs for costs incurred while preparing the rental agreement. Landlords are not permitted to charge the tenant costs related to mediation or key money. If you were charged for mediation costs, you can request return of these funds.
When you have moved into your new place and submit a complaint to your landlord regarding maintenance or request a rental price decrease, some landlords may react unpleasantly. If you are intimidated or threatened in your own home, this can be a serious and even unbearable situation. Especially if your landlord is the cause and it’s difficult to prove it. Luckily, there are a number of things that you can do. Huurteam Utrecht is happy to provide you with advice and support. Read more about this on the page 'Intimidation and threats from landlord'.
If you are feeling intimidated or threatened: be sure to report this to Huurteam Utrecht and the municipality of Utrecht’s slumlord complaints centre (meldpunt huisjesmelkers). Prepare a police report by completing the attached form and contact your district police officer (wijkagent). View the frequently asked questions for clear steps to take if you run into an unpleasant situation with your landlord.