News item | 22-04-2025 | 14:00
On Tuesday, the Senate agreed to a change in the law that gives tenants and landlords more clarity about service costs that tenants pay in addition to the rent. The law contains a list of matters and services that landlords can charge as service costs. This provides clarity about the calculation of service costs. For example, the use of a common fitness room or swimming pool should not fall under service costs. The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2026.
For the service costs, landlords may charge reasonable costs that match the services provided. Tenants can also make it easier for the new rules to check whether the advance they pay for the service costs every month is correct. Moreover, it is easier to start a business at the Rent Committee if they suspect that the service costs are too high.
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Fewer disputes and better enforcement
The need for clarity about service costs is evident from the number of disputes at the Rent Committee. In 2023, more than 3800 cases arrived – an increase of 60% compared to the previous year. In 2024 the increase continued, with more than 4100 new things. The new rules must help to reduce disputes between tenants and landlords.
The amendment of the law also supports municipalities in the Enforcement of the Good Landlords Act that has been in place since July 2023. Thanks to the clear definition of service costs, municipalities can act more targeted and more effectively against abuse.