Apartment rental settlement

Questioner

I rented an apartment for a number of years. I moved out on 14 November. At that time, it was discussed with the real estate agent that I had to transfer the full month's rent for the month of November. Since I had already moved out on 14 November, I would get half of the month back. The real estate agent has been very difficult to reach since then. To date, I have not received a key transfer form and have not received a response as to when I can expect the excess rent back. Within what period is it legally required that I get the rent back? And from what point is it wise to take further steps?

Lawyer

In Dutch tenancy law, there is no specific term set for the refund of overpaid rent after termination of a tenancy agreement. However, according to general legal principles, this should be done reasonably and without undue delay. What is considered reasonable depends on the circumstances. To take further steps, I would recommend that you first send a written reminder to the agent or landlord. In this letter, you should mention the amount overpaid, the agreed date of departure, any other relevant information and a reasonable period for payment (e.g. 14 days). Make sure you keep a copy of this letter. If you have not received a response or payment after this period, you may consider taking legal action. For this, it is best to engage a lawyer or attorney. Possible legal action may include starting a procedure with the rent assessment committee or the subdistrict court - depending on the amount of the claim and the specific circumstances. Another option may be to seek help through the Legal Desk. They can advise you on the best next steps and possibly put you in touch with a specialized lawyer or attorney. Remember to keep all communications you have had with the landlord or agent and documents regarding the lease and payments. This will be helpful for the lawyer or attorney to fully understand your situation. Please note that this advice is intended as a general guide only and is not a substitute for legal advice. You may wish to seek professional legal advice.' ---------------- Stichting Rechtswinkel.nl is a national organization with students and volunteers. The above advice is based on limited information and may be incomplete or even incorrect for your situation. Always consult a lawyer or attorney for your further steps. Read disclaimer: https://rechtswinkel.nl/disclaimer