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Need quick help?

Have you returned the keys in Haarlem but not received your deposit, or been asked to leave without a clear legal basis? Arslan Advocaten assists clients from Haarlem through its Amsterdam office. We assess the contract, handover evidence and final account before advising on a demand, negotiation or proceedings.

020 747 00 55 · Ask for a tenancy assessment

Establish whether the tenancy really ends

The tenant’s notice, the landlord’s notice, a special temporary tenancy and a signed departure agreement have different effects. For new residential contracts, indefinite tenancies have been the starting point since 1 July 2024, subject to statutory exceptions. An older contract or a landlord’s request for agreement needs its own assessment. Do not equate a demand to return the keys with a valid ending.

Prepare the inspections and key handover

Compare the home with the check-in description, photographs and permissions for alterations. Ask what the landlord expects you to repair and why. Record objections to disputed inspection items. At the final handover take overview and detail photographs, record meter readings and confirm the number of keys. Read any statement admitting damage or unknown costs before signing.

Challenge a deposit deduction with evidence

Request an itemised account explaining the basis, amount and supporting material. Normal wear, responsibility for damage and reasonable repair costs need separate consideration. Keep estimates and invoices, including the age of the item being replaced. The applicable repayment rules depend on the tenancy and its end date. Using the deposit as the last month’s rent without agreement can create arrears.

Service charges and settlement after departure

Keep the period of occupation, advances, annual accounts and a forwarding address. A service-charge dispute may follow a different procedure from a deposit claim. When offered a settlement, check the payment date, release of further claims, inspection costs and what happens if the landlord does not pay. A municipal report does not itself enforce repayment.

Documents for the first assessment

  • The full tenancy agreement and amendments
  • The landlord’s latest letter, email or summons
  • Payment records, service-charge statements and the deposit proof
  • Inspection reports and dated photographs
  • A short timeline, your desired outcome and the next deadline

How your case is handled

We first identify the tenancy, parties, evidence and urgency. We then discuss whether a targeted letter, negotiation, the Rent Tribunal or court proceedings fits the problem. An application to a municipality and a private claim can require separate action. We agree the scope before further work and explain which documents are still needed. Clients from Haarlem are assisted through our Amsterdam office; this page describes our service area, not an additional office in Haarlem.

Costs and legal aid

The first consultation is free and without obligation. We assess whether subsidised legal aid (toevoeging) or legal expenses insurance is available. Legal aid can leave a personal contribution and other costs. Otherwise we agree private fees in writing. For a deposit recovery claim, a separate fixed stage schedule applies where accepted; court fees and bailiff costs are explained before the relevant step. A suitable collection claim can also be assessed for separately agreed no cure no pay terms.

Fixed deposit recovery fees, including VAT

Questions before contacting us

Do you have an office in Haarlem?

We assist clients from Haarlem through Amsterdam. Ask about the practical arrangements for discussing documents before travelling.

Can I contact you before the file is complete?

Yes. Send the agreement and the urgent letter first, particularly if a hearing or eviction date has been mentioned. Further documents can follow.

Does contacting a lawyer stop a deadline?

No. State the deadline immediately. Contact alone does not suspend a notice period or court deadline.

Ask for a tenancy assessment

Ask for a tenancy assessment · More tenancy information

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