In Tilburg, tenants have clear rights regarding the refund of the deposit, while landlords have strict obligations. The landlord must repay the deposit within one month after the end of the tenancy period, as stipulated in Article 7:266 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Deductions are only permitted for proven damage, necessary cleaning costs, or outstanding bills, always substantiated with invoices or photos.
Tenants in Tilburg are entitled to statutory interest on the deposit from the day of payment until repayment. If the landlord refuses? Then send a notice of default and, if necessary, contact the Juridisch Loket Tilburg for free advice. Landlords may not deduct costs for normal wear and tear, such as peeling paint in a rental property on Heuvelstraat due to daily use or light usage marks on stairs in older Tilburg apartments. Tenants must leave the property clean and in accordance with the inspection report.
With private landlords in neighbourhoods such as Oud-Zuid or Het Zand, the deposit is often held on a blocked account. Housing associations such as WonenBreburg process this through their systems. In case of disputes in Tilburg, you can go to the Huurcommissie (free procedure) or the district court in the Paleis van Justitie on Gasthuisstraat. Example: deducting costs for 'renewal of carpet' in a property from the 1980s is unjustified if it is older than 5 years. The local Huurteam Tilburg offers mediation to prevent escalation. Document everything with photos, the condition report, and witness statements – essential in Tilburg's vibrant rental market. This way, you protect yourself against disputes. (348 words)