The monthly amount that you as a tenant pay to the landlord is often split into several parts. In addition to the basic rent, the rental contract usually contains an amount or several amounts for other things that are provided by the landlord. In some cases this is the supply of gas, water and electricity. In other cases, it concerns the use of the internet or the provision of furniture. Sometimes it is both provided by the landlord. The total amount that you pay to the landlord in addition to the basic rent is called service costs.
It is important that a distinction is made in the contract between the basic rent and the service costs. If this distinction is not there, then there is an all-in rent. Asking for an all-in rent is not allowed for the landlord. If your rent is an all-in rent, then this is good news for you as a tenant. Bumarang can then lower your rent by at least 20%. Here you can read more about the all-in rent and its consequences.
Service Costs Always an Advance
Service costs are always an advance. This means that after a certain period (usually a year) the landlord is obliged to provide an overview in which the actual costs incurred by him are compared with the amount that has been paid as an advance. This comparison is also known as the service charge settlement. The service charge settlement must show which costs the landlord has incurred and how he has calculated those costs.
No Service Costs Statement
Bumarang sees that many landlords charge an advance, but do not provide the yearly overview. This is annoying, because tenants miss out on a lot of money that way. Landlords ensure that the advance that is charged at least covers the costs. In most cases, the advance is even much higher than the costs and the landlord earns from the service costs. This is not permitted by law, because only the costs actually incurred may be charged to the tenant.
How Do I Get a Service Costs Statement
The landlord is obliged to provide a statement. He has up to six months after the end of the (financial) year to do so. This means that if you have not received a statement for the previous year on July 1ST, the landlord has not fulfilled his obligations. In that case, you must ask the landlord to provide a statement. The landlord then has three weeks to send the statement. If he still does not send the statement, the Rent Assessment Committee (Huurcommissie) can be asked to rule on the service costs. The Rent Assessment Committee then determines how much service costs you should have paid. If this amount is lower than the advance paid by you, the landlord must repay the difference. If the landlord does send a statement, but the statement is incorrect, the Rental Committee can also make a decision.
What Charges May Be Billed?
The starting point for being able to charge service costs is the rental contract. Only the service costs for which agreements have been made in the rental contract can lead to costs for the tenant. If the landlord provides services that are not included in the rental contract, you do not have to pay for them. Many landlords charge costs without these being included in the contract.
How Does Bumarang Help?
Have you not received a service costs statement? Bumarang asks the landlord to provide one. In addition, we check the statement so that you can be sure that you are not paying too much. In many cases, the settlement drawn up by the landlord is incorrect. Bumarang will then go through a procedure with the Rent Assessment Committee on your behalf. If it turns out that you have paid too much, Bumarang will ensure that you get your money back. Knowing more? Upload your contract here and find out how much service costs you can get back.