Permissible Service Charges Under Rental Legislation in Tilburg

{"header":"Permissible Service Charges Under Rental Legislation in Tilburg","introduction":"In Tilburg, not all costs may be passed on to tenants as service charges, particularly in popular districts such as the Spoorzone or Oud-Zuid. According to the Dutch Rental Law (Article 7:257 of the Dutch Civil Code), these costs must be reasonable and in line with market standards, a requirement strictly enforced by the municipality of Tilburg and the Rent Assessment Committee (Huurcommissie).","permitted_charges":{"header":"Permitted Service Charges","items":["Advance payments for the cleaning of stairwells in apartment buildings on Doctor Deelenstraat;","Maintenance of elevators in high-rise buildings around the city center;","Garden maintenance in green residential complexes near Piushaven;","Energy costs for communal areas in complexes on Korvellaan (individual meter readings are not permitted);","Insurance premiums, provided they are specifically for the landlord’s benefit and not for broader risks."]},"prohibited_charges":{"header":"Prohibited Service Charges","items":["Costs that serve as income replacement, such as those for vacancy or non-payment, which often spark debate in Tilburg’s tight rental market;","Expenses for structural maintenance classified as major repairs, such as roof insulation in older neighborhoods."]},"management_costs":{"header":"Management Costs","details":"In Tilburg rental complexes, management costs may amount to a maximum of 15-20% of the total service charges, depending on the size of the property. These costs are typically lower in residential care flats and higher in large student housing near the university."},"settlement_requirements":{"header":"Settlement Requirements","details":"The settlement must be detailed by category and supported by invoices. Tenants in Tilburg can seek free advice from Huurteam Tilburg. The allocation of costs among tenants must be proportionate to floor area or usage, reflecting Tilburg’s diverse tenant population."},"legal_consequences":{"header":"Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance","items":["If the advance payment is exceeded, the law requires reimbursement within six weeks; otherwise, a penalty may be imposed;","Unauthorized cost allocation may result in a rent reduction through the Rent Assessment Committee, which applies local standards based on agreements with Tilburg landlord associations."]},"conclusion":{"header":"Conclusion","details":"Always review your rental agreement to determine which costs have been explicitly agreed upon for your complex. This helps prevent disputes with neighbors or landlords and ensures you only pay what is lawful in Tilburg."}}