Your Landlord Is Charging
Too Much. Here's What To Do.
Got a deduction list that looks more like a renovation invoice? You're not alone. We review unfair charges, provide professional quotes, and help you fight back — legally.
Common Unfair Charges (and What You Should Actually Pay)
Landlords and their makelaars often inflate move-out charges. Here's what's fair — and what's not.
Landlord charges: Repainting the entire apartment: €800
Normal wear and tear. Landlord's cost. Courts consistently rule this way.
What you should actually pay: €0 (or €150-€300 if you caused genuine damage)
Landlord charges: "Professional cleaning" by their preferred company: €600
You have the right to arrange your own cleaning. Their preferred company inflates prices.
What you should actually pay: €150-€250 (market rate)
Landlord charges: Carpet replacement: €1,200
Normal wear and fading is not chargeable. Only negligence (burns, major stains).
What you should actually pay: €0-€75 (steam cleaning if needed)
Landlord charges: Furniture removal: €1,500
Massively inflated. No way a 2-hour job costs this much.
What you should actually pay: €200-€350
Landlord charges: "Administrative fee": €250
No legal basis. Pure profit. Completely unenforceable.
What you should actually pay: €0
Landlord charges: Door handle replacement: €150
Minor repair. If the handle was already loose, it's normal wear.
What you should actually pay: €15-€30 (actual part cost)
Total landlord charges: €4,500+
Fair price with Zorgvrij: from €400
You save: €4,000+
How We Help You Fight Back
Review Your Deduction List
Send us the list your landlord gave you. We assess each item and tell you which charges are fair and which are not.
Provide Professional Quotes
We provide written quotes for the legitimate items at actual market prices. This is your evidence against inflated charges.
Help You Dispute
We help you draft a response letter. For most landlords, professional documentation is enough to make them back down.
Your Legal Rights: What the Law Says
Wet goed verhuurderschap (July 2023)
Max deposit: 2 months' basic rent. Landlord must return within 14 days. Deductions must be itemized within 30 days.
Normal Wear & Tear = Free
Faded paint, minor scuffs, worn carpet from normal use = NOT deductible. Article 7:224 BW (Dutch Civil Code).
Painting Is the Landlord's Cost
Repainting after normal tenancy = onderhoudskosten. The landlord must absorb this. Only intentional/negligent damage is chargeable.
You Have the Right to Arrange Your Own Cleaning
The landlord cannot force you to use their cleaning company. You can arrange your own professional cleaning at market rates.
Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal)
Free to use for deposit disputes. File within 6 weeks of the deduction notice. They will investigate and can order the landlord to repay.
Juridisch Loket (Legal Aid)
Free legal advice for all tenants. They can review your case and help you draft a dispute letter. Available in English.
Step-by-Step: What To Do Right Now
Don't panic, don't pay yet
You have time. Don't agree to anything or make partial payments until you've reviewed the charges.
Send us the deduction list
WhatsApp or email us the list your landlord gave you. We'll review it for free and tell you what's fair.
Get our professional quote
For the legitimate items, we provide a written quote at actual market prices. This is your evidence.
Send a dispute letter
We help you draft a registered letter (aangetekende brief) challenging the unfair charges. Most landlords back down at this point.
Escalate if needed
If the landlord still refuses, file with the Huurcommissie (free) or contact the Juridisch Loket (free legal advice).
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't Let Your Landlord Overcharge You
Send us the deduction list. We'll review it for free, provide professional quotes, and help you dispute the unfair charges.