Tenant protection for illness or pregnancy in Netherlands

If you are a tenant you may worry about housing security when you become ill or pregnant. This article explains in plain language which rights tenants in the Netherlands have, how termination or rent adjustments work, and what you can do about overdue maintenance or unrepaired defects. We cover practical steps to collect information and evidence, when the Rent Tribunal or court can help, and how to request official assistance. The text is aimed at tenants without legal expertise and gives concrete guidance to protect your housing rights and address issues with maintenance, service charges or communication with the landlord.

What the law says

The Civil Code Book 7 contains rules on rent and termination of rental contracts, including protection against unlawful termination and requirements about the condition of the dwelling.^[1] The Rent Tribunal can mediate in disputes about rent and service charges, and sometimes about defects. For complex eviction cases or contract disputes the subdistrict court (kantonrechter) is involved.

Rights and obligations during illness or pregnancy

Illness or pregnancy does not fundamentally change your rights as a tenant: a landlord may not simply terminate the tenancy because of illness or pregnancy without valid legal grounds. Duties remain, such as reporting necessary repairs and paying rent, unless a court or Rent Tribunal decides otherwise.^[1]

• Always ask for written notice of termination and check the reason and deadlines if your landlord terminates.
• Report overdue maintenance immediately and request repair within a reasonable period.
• Pay rent where possible, but keep records of housing problems and payment receipts as evidence.
• Keep correspondence, photos and medical statements relevant to your situation.

What you can do: steps and evidence

Start with clear communication: send a written notification to your landlord, state required repairs or circumstances and give a reasonable deadline for remedy. If there is no response, document everything and seek advice at the Legal Aid Desk or the Rent Tribunal.^[2]

Actions if facing termination

• Check the written termination for formal errors and deadlines.
• Contact the landlord and request explanation and possible resolution.
• If termination is unlawful, consider legal action in the subdistrict court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord terminate my tenancy because of pregnancy or illness?

No, a landlord may not simply terminate tenancy because of pregnancy or illness without valid legal grounds and proper procedures.

When can I contact the Rent Tribunal?

You can contact the Rent Tribunal for disputes about rent level, service charges or certain defects related to maintenance.^[2]

What should I do if repairs are not carried out?

Document the defect, send a written notice of default and consult the Rent Tribunal or legal aid if the landlord does not respond.

Step-by-step plan

1. Document the issue with photos, dates and written notifications.
2. Send a registered or written notice to your landlord with a reasonable repair deadline.
3. Seek advice from the Rent Tribunal or Legal Aid Desk if there is no resolution.
4. Consider legal action in the subdistrict court if mediation does not help.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code Book 7 on wetten.overheid.nl
• Rent Tribunal - information and applications
• Dutch Government - housing and rent

1. [1] Civil Code Book 7 on wetten.overheid.nl
2. [2] Rent Tribunal - information and applications
3. [3] Dutch Government - housing and rent