Can a landlord pass on municipal and water board taxes to the tenant?

Questioner

My landlord is sending me an annual statement which includes a settlement of the property tax, sewerage tax and water system tax. My contract states the following: Unless this is not permitted by law or regulations arising therefrom, the tenant shall be responsible for the following, even if the landlord is assessed for this: a. municipal taxes and water board charges, insofar as these charges relate to the actual use of the rented property and the actual co-use of common areas. The tax authorities themselves already send me a bill for sewage, waste, water system, etc. So I assume that the landlord will pass on the owner's share (if our municipality charges it) to me. Can the landlord pass on the property tax and owner taxes to me, the tenant of a residential property?

Lawyer

Good morning, In principle, the landlord may pass on the taxes to the tenant. It is in your interest to ask for specifications, if questions arise about (the amount of) the taxes. The OZB is in any case for the homeowner and you do not have to pay this amount as a tenant. It is possible that the waste disposal tax is paid (in advance) by the landlord and that you will then be presented with the bill. In short: it is common practice that taxes relating to the home are passed on, but that does not apply to all taxes. Ask your landlord for specifications. That way you may be able to work it out together. Yours sincerely, Mr. Mr. S. Leito FerLei Legal 06-49175526

Questioner

Dear, thank you for your response If I understand you correctly: Property tax is for the landlord and not for the tenant. - Is there a law or court ruling that proves this? - My rental agreement does not in any way give the landlord the right to charge the property tax? In my case, the Tax Cooperation Rivierenland sends me a statement of all water board and municipal taxes including waste disposal charges. I have already paid these. Now I receive a subsequent statement from the Landlord for Sewerage Charge and Water System Charge. The BSR website shows that this concerns the owner's portion. If I understand you correctly, the landlord is allowed to charge me for these owner's shares? Thanks again!