Netherlands Demand Letter Generator (Ingebrekestelling Made Easy)

Create legally sound demand letters for any Dutch province. Free tool, proper legal format, actual results. Dutch civil law, without the complexity.

12
Dutch Provinces Covered
24/7
Available Anytime
Free
No Hidden Costs

What You Need to Know (Wat Je Moet Weten)

Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek)

The Netherlands operates under the Burgerlijk Wetboek (BW). Contract law, consumer protection, and debt collection follow specific statutory rules. Dutch law emphasizes reasonableness and fairness (redelijkheid en billijkheid).

Ingebrekestelling

A proper demand letter (ingebrekestelling or sommatiebrief) must clearly state the claim, amount, legal basis, and reasonable deadline for performance. This formal notice puts the debtor in default (verzuim) under Art. 6:82 BW.

Consumer Protection

Dutch consumer law provides comprehensive protections including warranty rights, cooling-off periods (14 days for distance sales), and unfair contract term rules. The ACM (Authority for Consumers and Markets) enforces these rights.

Statute of Limitations

The general limitation period (verjaring) in the Netherlands is 5 years for most contractual claims, 20 years for some property claims. Consumer claims and commercial debts may have different periods.

Dutch Legal Framework (30 Seconden Versie)

The Netherlands uses a civil law system based on the Burgerlijk Wetboek. Civil disputes go to the Rechtbank (district court), with the Kantonrechter handling claims under 25,000 EUR. For small claims, you can represent yourself - no lawyer required. The incassoprocedure (collection procedure) is straightforward for documented debts. An ingebrekestelling puts the debtor in verzuim (default), making them liable for damages and interest. Wettelijke rente (statutory interest) is set annually - currently around 4% for consumer transactions, higher for commercial transactions. For uncontested debts, a verzoekschriftprocedure offers a simplified route. This tool helps create that formal notice - for complex cases, consult an advocaat.

Success Stories (Succesverhalen)

"Verhuurder weigerde mijn borg terug te geven. One formal letter and I had my deposit back within 2 weeks."

Amsterdam, North Holland

Result: Full deposit returned

"Webshop ignored my warranty claim for months. The ingebrekestelling worked - full refund processed immediately."

Rotterdam, South Holland

Result: Full refund received

"Freelance invoice unpaid for 3 months. Sent the letter, paid in full plus interest within 10 days."

Utrecht

Result: Full payment with wettelijke rente

Common Questions (Veelgestelde Vragen)

Do I need a lawyer in the Netherlands?

For Kantonrechter claims under 25,000 EUR, you can represent yourself. For larger claims at the Rechtbank, an advocaat is typically required. The ingebrekestelling is the essential first step before any court procedure.

What is an incassoprocedure?

The incassoprocedure is the standard Dutch debt collection process. It typically starts with a friendly reminder, then a formal ingebrekestelling, then possible court proceedings. Most debts are resolved before reaching court.

Should the letter be in Dutch?

For legal proceedings in the Netherlands, Dutch is required. However, many Dutch businesses accept English correspondence. For maximum enforceability, use Dutch. International contracts may specify other languages.

What interest can I claim?

Wettelijke rente (statutory interest) applies once in verzuim. Currently around 4% for consumer transactions, higher for commercial transactions (ECB rate + 8 points under EU Late Payment Directive). Plus reasonable extrajudicial collection costs.

Ready to Get What You're Owed?

Generate your Dutch demand letter in minutes. Properly formatted, legally sound, and professionally written. Free to use, no account required.

Generate Your Demand Letter Now