Tenant Rights for Repairs in the Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands it is important to know your rights and obligations for everyday maintenance and minor repairs. In most cases the landlord is responsible for major repairs and the general condition of the rental property, while minor repairs may sometimes fall to the tenant. This article clearly explains what counts as a minor repair, when you should inform the landlord, what deadlines apply and how you can reclaim costs if the landlord does not respond. You will receive practical steps, examples and pointers to official sources so you can act confidently and well informed and know where to seek help in disputes.
What counts as maintenance and minor repairs?
Maintenance consists of two layers: major maintenance usually the landlord's responsibility, and minor repairs that in many cases are performed or paid by the tenant. Examples of minor repairs are replacing a leaking faucet washer or fixing a broken light in the dwelling.
Who pays for which repair?
The legal rules about rent and maintenance are in Book 7 of the Civil Code and provide guidance, but much depends on reasonableness and the rental contract.[1]
- Major structural repairs (e.g. roof, foundation) usually fall to the landlord.
- Minor repairs such as a leaking faucet or door handle may be the tenant's responsibility, unless agreed otherwise.
- If a repair resulted from the landlord's negligence, you may sometimes reclaim costs.
What to do if the landlord does not repair?
Follow clear steps: report the problem in writing, set a reasonable deadline and keep proof of communication. If that yields nothing, consider mediation, the Rent Tribunal or the cantonal court depending on the dispute.[2]
- Report the problem in writing and keep a copy.
- Set a reasonable deadline for repair and note the date.
- Take photos and record costs and hours as evidence.
- Seek help from official bodies if the landlord does not respond.
When may you repair yourself?
In some cases you may have repairs done yourself and offset the costs if the landlord does not act within a reasonable period. Do this only after written notice and keep all evidence; wrongful actions may cause problems later.
FAQs
- Do I always have to pay for minor repairs myself?
- Not always; check your rental agreement and the reasonableness of the repair. Legal rules provide frameworks but individual agreements may differ.
- How long is a reasonable deadline for repairs?
- That depends on severity: urgent repairs require quick action, other repairs allow a more generous deadline.
- When should I involve the Rent Tribunal?
- The Rent Tribunal mainly deals with rent and service charge issues; for maintenance disputes it can sometimes advise or mediate.[2]
- Where can I find legal texts on rent and maintenance?
- The rules can be found in Book 7 of the Civil Code; consult the official texts for details.[1]
How-To
- Describe the problem in writing and send it to the landlord.
- Give a reasonable repair deadline and note this date.
- Document with photos, quotes and receipts.
- Seek official advice from the Rent Tribunal or consult government information.[2]
- Consider the cantonal court if mediation fails.
Key takeaways
- Check your rental agreement for specific maintenance clauses.
- Keep all communication and evidence if you need to escalate.
