Reasonable Adjustments for Tenants in the Netherlands
If you are a tenant in the Netherlands you may sometimes need adjustments to keep your home safe and habitable. This guide explains in plain language what reasonable adjustments are, what rights and duties tenants and landlords have, and which steps you can follow when making a request. You will read when a landlord is obliged to cooperate, when you are responsible for small repairs yourself, and how to collect evidence for an application or dispute. The explanation refers to official sources and practical steps so you know where to go for help or a formal complaint. If something is not resolved you can involve the Rent Tribunal or the court and find concrete steps to do so. Always keep written communication and photos as evidence.
What are reasonable adjustments?
Reasonable adjustments are changes a tenant may need for health, accessibility or safety reasons. They should not be disproportionately burdensome or dangerous for the landlord and must match the tenant’s needs. Often they concern small changes such as grab bars, threshold ramps or temporary aids.
Who pays?
Whether the landlord pays depends on the type of adjustment and the contract terms. For legal rules and examples see the Civil Code Book 7.[1] In case of disagreement you can involve the Rent Tribunal for rent or service charge issues.[2] Official forms can be found on the Rent Tribunal website.[3]
Application steps
- Gather medical documents, photos and evidence of need (document).
- Send a written request to the landlord with a description and attachments.
- Discuss a reasonable solution together and record any agreements.
- Ask for an answer within a reasonable deadline or send a reminder.
- Carry out small repairs or necessary adjustments or ask who is responsible; see also our page on maintenance and small repairs for more explanation: Onderhoud en kleine herstellingen (wie betaalt wat).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a landlord refuse an adjustment?
- Yes, if the adjustment is unreasonably burdensome or dangerous for the landlord, but refusal must be well justified.
- Who pays the cost of an adjustment?
- It depends on the nature of the adjustment and the agreements; sometimes the landlord pays and sometimes the tenant or health insurer does.
- What if the landlord does not respond?
- Send a reminder, collect evidence and consider a complaint to the Rent Tribunal or legal action.
How-To
- Note the reason and collect evidence such as medical statements and photos.
- Write and send a clear request with attachments to the landlord.
- Discuss and try to reach a solution together.
- Involve the Rent Tribunal or court if discussion fails.[2]
