Tenant rights for illness or pregnancy in Netherlands

Maintenance & minor repairs (who pays what) 3 min read · published September 11, 2025
If you are a tenant you may face sudden illness or pregnancy, which raises questions about rent payments, repairs and protection against termination. This guide explains in clear language what rights tenants in the Netherlands have when they are ill or pregnant, what obligations the landlord has for maintenance and habitability, and what steps you can take if a dispute arises. You will read when you can request temporary adjustments, how to gather important evidence and which authorities you can involve, such as the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) or the cantonal court. This information helps you practically and concretely so you can better protect your housing security.

Rights and obligations of tenant and landlord

As a tenant you are entitled to a habitable home and protection against unreasonable termination. The landlord is obliged to carry out necessary repairs and maintain basic facilities (heating, water, sanitary). If due to illness or pregnancy you temporarily need extra care or adaptations, you can ask the landlord for reasonable adjustments or postponement of disruptive works.

Keep all communication and receipts organised and saved safely.

Immediate steps you can take

  • Send a written statement and keep all documents as evidence (document).
  • Continue to pay rent where possible or request a temporary payment arrangement if your income falls (rent).
  • Take photos and keep a log of defects and maintenance requests (evidence).
  • Contact the landlord and state which adjustments or repairs are needed (contact).
Clear documentation increases your chance of a quick solution.

What to do if there is no adequate response

If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time to urgent repairs or requests for adaptations, you can formally send a notice of default and possibly involve the Rent Tribunal for disputes about service charges or rent level.[2] For other disputes, such as eviction or complex contract issues, the cantonal court is the correct channel. [1]

Respond within deadlines to protect your rights.

Practical tips for health-related issues

Consider whether you need temporary help for moving or home adaptations. For structural defects that harm health (e.g. severe damp or mould) you can take further steps and usually require repair by the landlord.

In many cases tenants are entitled to a habitable home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord terminate the tenancy because I am ill or pregnant?
No, termination solely because of illness or pregnancy is generally not allowed; the landlord must have a valid legal reason under tenancy law.[1]
Where can I report a dispute about rent or service charges?
For disputes about rent level or service charges you can approach the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie); they handle many tenancy disputes and provide binding decisions in certain cases.[2]
What should I do in an emergency repair if I cannot act myself?
Authorise a contact person to act on your behalf, document the defects and inform the landlord immediately; if there is a health danger you can also notify emergency services or the municipality.

How-To

  1. Document the issue: photos, dates and description of complaints (document).
  2. Notify the landlord in writing and request repair or adaptation within a reasonable time (file).
  3. Arrange payment or a payment plan if needed (rent).
  4. Seek legal advice or contact the Rent Tribunal if action is not taken (contact).
  5. If the dispute escalates, consider proceedings at the cantonal court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Wetten.nl - Civil Code Book 7
  2. [2] Huurcommissie
  3. [3] Government.nl - Housing and rent

Categories

Types of tenancies (fixed/indefinite, Vacancy Act, lodger) Social housing, free sector & points system (WWS) Initial rent & rent check (Rent Tribunal) Rent increases & indexation (annual caps) Service charges & utilities (settlement) Deposit (security) & payment proofs Maintenance & minor repairs (who pays what) Defects, remedies & rent reduction Energy label & performance Heat supply & district heating (Heat Act) Landlord access, viewings & works House rules, nuisance, noise & pets Co-tenancy, lodgers & cohabitation Subletting & flat-sharing Tenant termination & dissolution Landlord termination (own use, breach) Eviction & procedure Inspection, handover & keys Municipal registration (BRP) Rent allowance (eligibility & application) Discrimination & equal treatment in renting Screening, privacy & personal data (GDPR) Tourist letting & short-stay (Airbnb) Rent Tribunal & dispute resolution Templates & model letters Student & room rentals (lodger) Safety & health in the dwelling
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Netherlands

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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