What can I do to get my deposit back on a holiday home?

Questioner

We rented 2 apartments on Terschelling 'Bedrijf'. Per app. we paid €100, so a total of €200. Now 'Company' does not want to refund the deposit because dog hairs were found in one apartment. We have, we think, cleaned thoroughly. Nevertheless, she withholds €200 for 1 apartment where the dog hairs were reported. Can you charge €100 for cleaning? Major cleaning incl. window cleaning, would take at most one and a half hours. She didn't want to do a check when handing in the key because she didn't have time. What can I do to get the deposit back for at least one apartment? Help!!!

Lawyer

If you had permission in advance or did not clearly say no to the presence of pets in the cottage; the landlord may not withhold a deposit for this reason. However, it is difficult to get money back, for this a notice must be given with legal substantiation. Think of the conditions offered and accepted by you and that being allowed to take a pet along implies that the landlord's position is unreasonable if he finds a few hairs afterwards.

Questioner

Dogs were welcome, and they were paid for. How do I obtain a notice with legal substantiation? I keep wondering whether the deposit for both apartments can be retained.

Lawyer

No, that is definitely not allowed. I can compose an email with basic law and case law and call it follow-up steps, that sometimes works and is a relatively cheap method.