Insulation and Window Mistakes for Tenants in Netherlands

As a tenant in the Netherlands, poor insulation or incorrectly fitted windows can cause drafts, higher energy bills, moisture and mold. This guide helps tenants step by step to recognize common mistakes with insulation and windows, the everyday consequences, and simple actions you can take without legal jargon. We clearly explain your basic rights under Dutch tenancy law, when small repairs are the tenant's responsibility and when the landlord must intervene. We also describe how to document problems, how to report them and when to consult the Rent Tribunal or official government information^[1][2][3]. This way you keep control of costs and living quality.

Common insulation and window mistakes

Some problems occur during installation, others because of lack of maintenance. Common mistakes tenants often encounter include poor sealing, bad connections between window and wall, missing cavity insulation and windows that do not close properly.

• Poor sealing and caulking causing drafts and water ingress.
• Insufficient insulation in walls or floors near windows, causing thermal bridges.
• Windows that do not close or are misaligned, leading to heat loss and noise issues.
• Moisture build-up and mold due to condensation or leaks around frames.

It is important to spot small defects early: they often worsen, become more expensive to fix and reduce your living comfort.

Who pays what?

The division of costs between tenant and landlord depends on the nature of the defect and what the rental contract states. Small repairs and everyday maintenance are often the tenant's responsibility, while persistent defects to structure, insulation or windows are usually the landlord's responsibility. See our background page about maintenance and small repairs for more explanation: Onderhoud en kleine herstellingen (wie betaalt wat).

What to do about moisture, drafts or damaged caulking?

• Document the issue immediately with clear photos, date and a short description.
• Report it in writing to your landlord and ask for repair within a reasonable time.
• Keep all communication, quotes and receipts as evidence.
• If the landlord does not respond adequately, consider filing a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or seek legal information on official sites.

FAQ

Who pays for minor insulation repairs?

Minor repairs such as replacing caulking or draft strips are often expected of the tenant, unless it concerns structural insulation issues that the landlord must resolve.

When can I contact the Rent Tribunal?

You can ask the Rent Tribunal for a ruling concerning service charges, unreasonable maintenance obligations or disputes about defects that affect the rent or living quality.

What counts as sufficient evidence for a complaint?

Photos with dates, written reports to the landlord and quotes or reports from professionals form strong evidence in disputes.

How-To

1. Document the problem immediately with photos and a short description of when it began.
2. Report it in writing to the landlord and request repair within a reasonable time.
3. Wait the reasonable term and remind the landlord in writing if needed.
4. File a complaint with the Rent Tribunal if the landlord does not respond adequately.
5. As a final step, consider legal action at the cantonal court if no solution is reached.

Help and Support

• [1] Wetten.nl 2D Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7 (Huurrecht)
• [2] Huurcommissie 2D information and forms
• [3] Government.nl 2D official government information

1. [1] Wetten.nl 2D Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7 (Huurrecht)
2. [2] Huurcommissie 2D information and forms
3. [3] Government.nl 2D official government information