Free tool · Service costs

Are your service costs right?

Service costs come on top of your base rent, and they are where many landlords overcharge. Answer a few questions to see what to check, and get the letter to send.

Do you pay one all-in amount, without a separate amount for service costs?

Answer the questions to see what to check and what to send.

The rules

Your landlord sends a statement of last year’s actual service costs by 1 July. If you paid more in advances, you get the difference back; if less, you pay extra.
Talk to your landlord first. If you cannot agree, or no statement comes, the Huurcommissie can assess the costs. Your municipality’s reporting point (meldpunt) can also help.
Contracts from 1 January 2027 may only charge eight kinds of service costs: heating and hot water; gas, water and electricity; use of the landlord’s things (like curtains or a washing machine); small repairs if agreed; supervision, safety and waste; TV and internet signal; insurance and small maintenance funds; and administration costs.

Sources: Rijksoverheid and Volkshuisvesting Nederland. The 25% rule of thumb is ours, not a legal limit.