Costs & Legal Aid for Tenants in the Netherlands
Practical information helps tenants in the Netherlands make choices about maintenance, minor repairs and legal steps. This article explains in clear language which maintenance tasks are usually the landlord's responsibility and which minor repairs are often performed by the tenant. You will also read when and how to seek legal aid in disagreements with your landlord, and which institutions can help. The focus is on practical steps, documentation and deadlines so you can protect your rights without complicated legal jargon. At the end there are frequently asked questions, a step-by-step plan and official resources to take immediate action.[1]
Who pays for maintenance and minor repairs?
In general, the landlord is responsible for major maintenance and the condition of the rental property so that it is habitable. Minor repairs or day-to-day maintenance can be assigned to the tenant in the rental agreement if reasonable, but not for matters that affect basic habitability. Always consult Book 7 of the Civil Code for the legal framework and examples.[1]
Tenants often have rights to basic habitability standards.
What counts as minor repairs?
Minor repairs are usually simple, small-scale jobs that can be fixed quickly and do not require structural work. Examples help create clarity.
- Replacing a broken light bulb (repair: tenant replaces bulb).
- Unclogging a sink if caused by the tenant (repair: simple unclogging action).
- Replacing small parts within appliances if stated in the lease (repair: small part).
Always keep photos of defects before you have anything repaired.
When is the landlord responsible?
The landlord is generally responsible for issues that make the dwelling uninhabitable or that result from normal wear and tear, such as a broken boiler, leaking roof or installation problems. If the landlord does not respond to a report, the tenant can involve the Rent Tribunal or the subdistrict court depending on the subject of the dispute.[2]
Respond in writing and keep copies of all notifications and responses.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I always need permission for small repairs?
- For small, preventive repairs you often do not need permission, but discussing it prevents misunderstandings and always document costs and agreements.
- What does the Rent Tribunal do?
- The Rent Tribunal often handles disputes about service charges and reasonable maintenance distribution and can issue binding decisions in those matters.[2]
- When should I go to the subdistrict court?
- For larger disputes about rental contracts, eviction or rent arrears, the subdistrict court is the right place, especially for legal termination or eviction matters.
How-To
- Document the issue with date, photos and written notifications (evidence).
- Report the repair in writing to the landlord and request a reasonable timeframe for completion (notice).
- If there is no solution, file a complaint or request with the Rent Tribunal for service charge or maintenance disputes (file).
- Consider legal assistance or starting proceedings at the subdistrict court if the dispute cannot be resolved via the Rent Tribunal (court).
Help and Support
- Rent Tribunal - official information and forms
- Wetten.overheid.nl - Book 7 Tenancy Law (Civil Code)
- Government.nl - advice and policy information for tenants
