CO and Ventilation: Tenant Help in the Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands, a suspicion of carbon monoxide (CO) or inadequate ventilation can be frightening. This article explains in plain language which steps you can take to protect yourself and household members, when to inform the landlord, which evidence is useful to collect and which agencies can help. We cover practical safety measures, repair requests and options to enforce your rights via the Rent Tribunal [1] or local government guidance. The information helps you quickly decide what to do, which deadlines matter and which documents you need if the situation escalates. That way you are stronger in conversations with the landlord and in official procedures.
Act quickly for CO and ventilation
If you suspect CO or serious ventilation failure, safety comes first. Do you recognize symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea or drowsiness? Then leave the residence immediately and get fresh air. Call the emergency number for acute complaints.
Check for a working CO alarm and whether ventilation grilles are open. If you doubt a leak or defect, do not operate equipment that could worsen the problem.
Basic checklist
- Leave the residence if you have acute health complaints.
- Move everyone to fresh air and call medical help if needed.
- Check presence and operation of CO alarms and ventilation grilles.
- Do not use open flames or heaters until it is safe.
Reporting and repair requests
Report the problem immediately in writing to your landlord by email or registered letter. Give a clear description of the problem, date and time of detection and any symptoms. Ask for a concrete response or repair deadline.
Always report
- Description of complaints and observations (e.g., smell, condensation, lack of airflow).
- Photos or videos of grills, stoves or vents if possible.
- Date, time and any medical assistance moments.
Documentation and evidence
Keep all communication, photos and medical reports in a file. If you pay rent including service charges, note whether ventilation or heating problems affect the habitability of the dwelling.
Important documents
- Copy of your tenancy agreement and any attachments.
- Copies of reports to the landlord and responses.
- Photos, measurements or medical statements supporting complaints.
If the landlord does not respond
If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, you can take follow-up steps such as independent advice or a formal complaint through the Rent Tribunal [1] or legal action. For rights and obligations, Book 7 of the Civil Code applies [2].
Rights and procedures
As a tenant, you are entitled to a habitable home. Structural ventilation defects or CO risks fall under the landlord's maintenance and safety obligations under the law. Consult official government guidance for safety and evacuation procedures [3].
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I leave the property immediately if a CO alarm sounds?
- Yes, if you have symptoms or a working CO alarm is triggered, leave the property and get fresh air and medical help if needed.
- Who pays for repairs to ventilation or heaters?
- In most cases the landlord is responsible for structural maintenance and safe heating; check your tenancy agreement and report the issue in writing.
- When can I involve the Rent Tribunal?
- You can involve the Rent Tribunal for disputes over service charges or if repairs are not completed and this affects rent or habitability.
How to act
- Leave the residence and get fresh air if you have acute complaints.
- Report the issue immediately in writing to the landlord with evidence.
- Document all communication, photos and medical records.
- If there is no response within a reasonable time, proceed to formal steps such as the Rent Tribunal.
- Seek legal or medical assistance if the situation remains dangerous.
Help and support / Resources
- Rent Tribunal - information for tenants
- Wetten.overheid.nl - Civil Code Book 7 (tenancy law)
- Government.nl - housing and safety
