When you leave a rental property, you should get your security deposit back. But what if the landlord refuses or wrongfully deducts fees? Many tenants face this problem and aren't entirely sure what their rights are.
How long can a landlord wait to refund? When can a deduction be made? And how can you reclaim your security deposit if the landlord doesn't respond? In this article, we answer these questions and provide a sample letter for a security deposit refund request .
When should the landlord refund the security deposit?
The deposit is intended as security for the landlord and may only be withheld if:
- There are rental arrears.
- There is damage to the home that you have caused.
- You have not returned the home clean or as agreed.
A landlord is not allowed to simply retain the security deposit without good reason. Legally, the security deposit must be refunded within a reasonable period (usually one to two months after the lease end date).
What if your landlord refuses to pay?
- Contact your landlord – Ask in writing for clarification and a payment date.
- Send a formal refund request – This ensures your request is taken seriously.
- Seek legal assistance – If your landlord does not respond, you can take further steps, such as legal proceedings before the rent assessment committee or the subdistrict court.
Below you will find a sample letter that you can use.
Sample letter requesting refund of security deposit
[Uw naam]
[Uw adres]
[Postcode en woonplaats]
[Uw telefoonnummer]
[Uw e-mailadres]
[Naam verhuurder]
[Adres verhuurder]
[Postcode en plaats verhuurder]
[Datum]
Subject: Request for refund of deposit
Dear [landlord's name],
On [date], my lease for the property at [rental property address] ended. At the start of the lease, I paid a deposit of [amount].
Since the property has been delivered as agreed and there are no rental arrears or damage, I kindly request that you return the deposit to my account number [account number] within [for example 14 days].
If payment is not received, I will be forced to take further legal action. However, I hope this won't be necessary and look forward to receiving your payment soon.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
What if the landlord still doesn't pay?
- Send a registered letter as a reminder.
- Engage a legal advisor via Rechtswinkel.nl .
- Initiate legal proceedings in the subdistrict court.
Conclusion
Your landlord isn't allowed to simply hold on to the security deposit. If you've properly vacated the property, you're entitled to a refund. Use our sample letter and take action if the landlord doesn't respond.
Need help with your case? Contact Rechtswinkel.nl for free legal advice!
