Insurance & Liability for Tenants in the Netherlands
What does insurance and liability mean for tenants?
If you are a tenant of a property rented for tourist rental or short-stay you may have questions about insurance and liability in the Netherlands. The legal basis for tenancy law is in the Civil Code Book 7 and governs, among other things, who is responsible for damage and maintenance.[1]
Which insurances are relevant?
In practice, these are the main insurances tenants and landlords may encounter:
- Contents insurance: often covers damage to personal belongings in the property.
- Liability insurance: covers damage you as a tenant cause to the property or third parties.
- Building insurance: usually the landlords responsibility; covers the building itself.
Who pays for which damage?
Generally: damage from normal use often falls to the tenant; structural defects or missing maintenance are usually the landlords responsibility. For tourist rentals this can differ if the lease or platform has specific rules. If in doubt you can contact the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) or look for advice and procedures.[2]
Practical steps in case of damage
Follow these steps immediately after discovering damage:
- Take clear photos and note what was damaged and when you found it.
- Inform the landlord or the platform immediately and ask for written confirmation of receipt.
- If applicable, file a claim with your insurer and keep the policy terms.
- Arrange temporary repairs if there is immediate danger or further damage and record costs and invoices.
When to go to the Rent Tribunal or court?
The Rent Tribunal often deals with rent and service charge issues; other disputes (like complex liability or eviction) are handled by the subdistrict court. If you want to file a formal complaint with the Rent Tribunal, follow their procedures and use the correct forms.[2]
Common contract clauses to watch
- Excess or exclusions for short-stay in the policy.
- Landlord access and inspection clauses.
- Agreements about who cleans, repairs or pays for damage.
How-To
- Document damage with photos and dates.
- Report the damage to the landlord and request confirmation.
- Check your insurance policy and file a claim if applicable.
- Seek advice from official bodies such as the Rent Tribunal or obtain legal counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1) Do I always need my own insurance as a tenant?
- It is strongly recommended to have contents and liability insurance; some landlords or platforms require this.
- 2) Does the landlord always reimburse damage to furniture?
- Not always; damage from normal use or tenant mistakes may be the tenants responsibility, while structural or maintenance damage typically concerns the landlord.
- 3) How do I start a procedure with the Rent Tribunal?
- Use the information and forms on the Rent Tribunals website and follow their steps to file a complaint or claim.
