Access and Correction Rights for Tenants in the Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands you have the right to know which personal data a landlord or screening company holds about you. This access and correction right falls under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and means you can request a copy of the data, an explanation of why it is used, and correction or deletion of inaccurate information. In this article we explain in plain language when you can exercise this right, which steps you should take to request or have data corrected, and which official bodies you can involve if a dispute arises. We use practical examples and refer to Dutch sources and procedures so you quickly know what you can do.
What is access and correction right?
Access means you may ask which personal data a landlord or a third party (such as a screening company) holds about you and why those data are processed. Correction means you can have incorrect or incomplete data amended or deleted if necessary. For tenancy agreements this sits alongside Dutch tenancy law and the GDPR; for specific questions about legal standards you can also consult the statutory text[1].
In many cases a landlord must respond to an access request within one month.
When can you request personal data?
- During screening or privacy checks by a landlord or external screening company (privacy).
- If personal data lead to decisions about your tenancy or access to a home (huur, rent).
- When incorrect data pose a risk of eviction or legal action (eviction).
- If you need evidence or forms to file an objection or complaint (formulier).
Always keep copies of requests and responses in one organized file.
Practical steps before filing a request
- Check which data you already have, such as emails or proof of payment (formulier).
- Note specific errors you want corrected and attach evidence (document).
- Ask informally for correction from the landlord before submitting a formal request (contact).
Clear examples and documented evidence speed up the landlords response.
FAQ
- Can my landlord share my personal data with a screening agency?
- The landlord may share personal data if there is a legal or contractual basis and if the processing is proportionate; if in doubt you can request access and ask the landlord to explain the basis for processing[1].
- How quickly must a landlord respond to an access request?
- In most cases an organization must respond within one month to an access request; for complex requests that period may be extended once by two months provided you are informed.
- What can I do if my landlord refuses or does not respond?
- You can file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) or escalate the request via official channels and consider legal steps; the Rent Tribunal can assist with rent and service charge disputes and may refer you to other authorities[2].
How-To
- Submit a written access or correction request to your landlord and clearly describe which data you want to view or correct (formulier).
- Attach evidence showing that data are incorrect, such as emails, payment receipts or photos (document).
- If the landlord does not cooperate, consider a complaint or request to the Rent Tribunal or seek legal advice (eviction).
- Track deadlines: note when you sent the request and check the response date within one month (within).
Key Takeaways
- Try an informal correction request first before formal escalation.
- Collect and organize evidence to support your correction request.
- Contact official bodies like the Rent Tribunal or consult legal texts for guidance.
Help and Support
- Rent Tribunal - information and forms
- Wetten.overheid.nl - Civil Code Book 7 (tenancy law)
- Government.nl - data protection and GDPR guidance
