For a residential tenancy agreement in the Netherlands concluded on or after 1 July 2023, the deposit may not exceed twice the basic rent. The landlord must repay it within 14 days of the end of the tenancy, or within 30 days if he sets off damage or unpaid rent. The deposit check below shows in a minute whether you paid too much and what your repayment deadline is. If that date has passed, it prepares a demand letter for you.
This check gives a first indication based on Dutch law and information from the Dutch government (checked on 23 September 2026). It is not advice on your own contract.
How the deposit check works
- Maximum. Contract concluded on or after 1 July 2023: twice the basic rent (Article 7:261b(2) Dutch Civil Code, introduced by the Good Landlordship Act). Older contract: the Dutch government refers, based on case law, to three months’ basic rent. Basic rent is the rent excluding service charges, utilities and energy performance fee. This also applies in the private sector and to expats.
- Deadline. 14 days after the end of the tenancy; 30 days if the landlord sets off damage or unpaid rent or service charges, in which case he must give you a full written specification (Article 7:261b(3)-(4)).
- Business premises. No statutory cap and no statutory deadline.
- Dispute. The Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal) does not decide deposit disputes. You claim repayment before the subdistrict court (kantonrechter).
Sources: Article 7:261b Dutch Civil Code and Dutch government on the rental deposit (checked on 23 September 2026).
Frequently asked questions about the deposit
How much deposit can a Dutch landlord ask?
For a residential tenancy agreement concluded on or after 1 July 2023, no more than twice the basic rent (Article 7:261b(2) Dutch Civil Code). For older contracts the Dutch government refers, based on case law, to a maximum of three months’ basic rent.
When must my landlord in the Netherlands repay my deposit?
Within 14 days of the end of the tenancy. If the landlord sets off damage or unpaid rent or service charges, within 30 days and with a full written specification of the costs.
Can the Huurcommissie help me get my deposit back?
No. The Huurcommissie does not decide deposit disputes. You claim repayment before the subdistrict court (kantonrechter).
Can I get my deposit back after leaving the Netherlands?
Yes. The deadlines also apply if you have moved abroad. Send your demand by e-mail and registered post and give a Dutch or foreign bank account for repayment.
Read more: Security deposit in the Netherlands: rules, deadlines and refund, Getting your deposit back after leaving the Netherlands and Tenancy lawyer in the Netherlands. Nederlands: borgcheck.
