Tenant Rights and Repairs in the Netherlands

As a tenant in the Netherlands, you want to know who is responsible for maintenance and minor repairs in your home. This guide clearly explains what is normally considered "minor repairs", which repairs the landlord must carry out and when you as a tenant may need to step in. You will read which steps you can take when maintenance is overdue, how to document situations, and when you can involve the Rent Tribunal or the court. We cover practical tips to limit costs, which timeframes apply, and how to communicate safely and effectively with your landlord. The text uses simple language so you can act quickly and understand your rights and obligations in the Netherlands.

What counts as maintenance and minor repairs?

Maintenance includes both regular upkeep and repairs. Book 7 of the Civil Code governs many tenancy responsibilities and helps determine which maintenance works are typically the landlord's responsibility^[1]. Minor repairs are often issues that result from everyday use, while larger structural problems usually fall to the landlord.

Who pays for what?

Generally, the landlord pays for defects resulting from wear and tear, construction, or lack of maintenance. The tenant usually pays for small repairs that result from normal use or that are caused by the tenant. Always check your lease; sometimes there are specific agreements about who bears which costs.

• Small repairs arising from normal use, such as loose doorknobs or broken light fixtures, are often paid by the tenant.
• Major repairs and structural defects, such as leaking pipes or heating failures, are usually the landlord's responsibility.
• If unclear, consult the lease agreement or request written clarification from the landlord.

If the landlord does not repair

First send a clear written complaint with photos and a deadline for repair. Give the landlord a reasonable timeframe to act and keep all correspondence and evidence. If repair does not occur, you can file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or involve the subdistrict court; the Rent Tribunal handles many disputes about rent and service charges^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for damage from aging-related leakage?

The landlord is generally responsible for aging and construction defects; report it in writing and keep evidence.^[1]

Can I perform small repairs myself and claim reimbursement?

You can perform small repairs in agreement with the landlord, but request permission in advance if costs are involved.

When do I involve the Rent Tribunal or the court?

If the landlord does not repair within a reasonable timeframe or there is disagreement about service charges, you can approach the Rent Tribunal or the subdistrict court.^[2]

How-To

1. Document the defect with photos, dates and a brief log.
2. Report it in writing to the landlord and request a deadline for repair.
3. Arrange an inspection appointment and give the landlord access if reasonable.
4. Have necessary repairs performed by a professional and keep invoices.
5. If repair is delayed, file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or consider the subdistrict court.^[2]
6. Seek help from official sources or local tenants organizations if you get stuck.^[3]

Key Takeaways

• Always keep evidence of notification and repair costs.
• The landlord is usually responsible for structural defects.

Help and Support / Resources

• Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie): file a complaint and find forms
• Wetten.nl: Civil Code Book 7 (tenancy law)
• Government.nl: guidance for tenants and landlords

1. [1] Wetten.nl - Civil Code Book 7
2. [2] Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) - Official site
3. [3] Government.nl - Housing (guidance for tenants)