Platform Rental Deadlines for Tenants in Netherlands
As a tenant using a platform rental in the Netherlands, it is important to know which deadlines apply for notifications, repair requests and handling by the landlord. This article explains in plain language within which deadlines a landlord must respond, when tenants can take action themselves and what steps are possible with the Rent Tribunal or the subdistrict court. You will read what counts as normal maintenance, who pays small repairs, how to record evidence and how to submit a request in writing and safely. The goal is that tenants understand their rights and resolve heating, plumbing or other housing defects more quickly and effectively. Read on for concrete deadlines and practical examples.
Thorough documentation increases your chances in a dispute.
Relevant deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines for every situation, but many cases follow reasonable response times that tenants and landlords can expect.
- Landlord responds to a repair request within 14 days (days).
- For emergencies, such as loss of heating or water, action is often required within 24 hours (hours).
- For persistent problems, a tenant can take steps with the Rent Tribunal or the court (court).
Respond quickly to official letters to protect your rights.
Maintenance and small repairs
Small repairs are often governed by the tenancy agreement; legally rules appear in Book 7 of the Civil Code, which sometimes assigns costs.[1] Tenants and landlords should clearly record agreements and who bears which costs.
In many cases the tenant pays small repairs under the tenancy agreement.
What to do if response is slow or absent
Follow these steps to document the problem and resolve it.
- Send a written notification with date and photos and request a response (submit).
- Give the landlord a reasonable deadline, for example 14 days (days).
- Keep photos, chat logs and receipts as evidence (evidence).
- If there is no solution, consider filing a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or the subdistrict court (court).[2]
Always keep copies of notifications and receipts.
Frequently asked questions
- How quickly must a landlord respond to a repair request?
- In practice, a response is often expected within 14 days, in emergencies within 24 hours; if there is no response you can take further steps.
- Who pays small repairs?
- This is usually stated in the tenancy agreement; otherwise the legal rules from Book 7 CC and the reasonableness of the claim apply.[1]
- When can I go to the Rent Tribunal?
- The Rent Tribunal handles disputes about rent and service charges; for other defects you may consider filing a claim with the subdistrict court.[2]
How to act
- Report the defect in writing and note date and time (submit).
- Set a reasonable response deadline (e.g. 14 days) and state this in writing.
- Collect evidence: photos, messages and invoices.
- If there is no solution, seek advice and file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or subdistrict court (court).
Key takeaways
- Keep notifications and evidence well organized.
- Respond promptly to official messages to preserve rights.
- Know the difference between minor maintenance and major repairs.
Help and Support / Resources
- wetten.overheid.nl — Civil Code Book 7
- huurcommissie.nl — Rent Tribunal procedures and forms
- government.nl — Government information for tenants
