How it appears in listings
You will see borg, waarborgsom, "borg: 2 maanden huur" (two months' rent) or "deposit: 1 month". English-language sites write "deposit" or "security deposit". The amount is usually stated as a number of months of rent, sometimes as a euro figure.
The rules come from art. 7:261b BW, introduced by the Wet goed verhuurderschap on 1 July 2023. They apply to free-sector contracts too.
What it means for you
- Two months of kale huur is the maximum. For contracts signed since 1 July 2023, the deposit may be at most twice the kale huur. Service costs and utilities do not count towards it. For older contracts, case law allowed up to 3 months.
- The deposit comes back fast. The landlord must return it within 14 days after the tenancy ends. If they deduct costs, the rest is due within 30 days, with a written, complete cost specification.
- Only four types of cost may be deducted. Damage, unpaid rent, unpaid servicekosten and an unpaid energy performance fee (energieprestatievergoeding). General administration or cleaning fees are not on that list.
A worked example
Your kale huur is €1,300 and you pay €80 in service costs each month.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | €2,600 (2 × €1,300) |
| Not allowed | €2,760 (2 × €1,380, rent including service costs) |
| You leave on 31 March, no damage | €2,600 back by 14 April |
| You leave on 31 March, €200 damage to a door | €2,400 back by 30 April, with a written specification |
How much landlords ask on RentHunter
Among listings on RentHunter between July and October 2026 that state a deposit, the median is 1.53 months of rent. About 1 in 30 (3.5%) ask more than 2 months, so check the amount against the kale huur before you pay. Our guide on deposit refunds goes deeper.
Not to be confused with
"Borg" is also used for a borgsteller, a guarantor: a person, often a parent, who promises to pay your rent if you cannot. That is a guarantee, not money you hand over. A deposit is also different from bemiddelingskosten: you get a deposit back, while an agency fee from the landlord's agent should not be charged to you at all.
Frequently asked questions
The landlord asks 3 months' deposit. Is that allowed?
Not for contracts signed since 1 July 2023. The maximum is 2 months of kale huur.
How long can the landlord keep my deposit?
14 days after the end of the tenancy, or 30 days if costs are deducted, with a written specification.
Can they deduct a cleaning fee?
Only as documented damage beyond normal wear. General administration or cleaning fees are not on the list of allowed deductions.
