Tenants and Energy Labels in the Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands, you have the right to a safe, affordable and energy-efficient home. Energy labels and energy performance affect living costs and can be part of discussions about rent and maintenance. In this guide we explain in plain language what an energy label means, what information you can request from your landlord, when you can request maintenance or improvements and what steps to take if no action follows. You will also read how documents and evidence help with complaints and when the Rent Tribunal or the court can assist. This information is intended to give tenants in the Netherlands practical steps for questions about energy and rent.
What does the energy label mean?
An energy label indicates how energy-efficient a dwelling is and which measures affect energy performance. The label ranges from A (very energy-efficient) to G (very inefficient). For tenants, the label can influence expected heating costs and discussions about possible improvements or insulation with the landlord.[1]
Rights and obligations of tenants
As a tenant you have the right to request information about the energy label and to receive relevant documents. You are obliged to use the home normally and to cooperate with reasonable maintenance work carried out by the landlord.
- Ask your landlord for the energy label and associated reports.
- Keep invoices, photos and correspondence as evidence when making requests or complaints.
- Cooperate with necessary repairs within reasonable limits to prevent further damage.
What to do if energy performance is insufficient
If the dwelling has a poor energy label that leads to high heating costs or poor housing quality, first discuss with your landlord what improvements are possible. Record agreements in writing and ask about planning and funding of measures.
- Submit a written request with explanation and evidence to the landlord.
- Keep responses and deadlines; note commitments and dates.
- If problems persist, file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or consider legal action.
If the landlord does not cooperate, the Rent Tribunal can play a role in disputes about service costs and sometimes in improving housing quality; for complex disputes the subdistrict court may be involved.[2]
Practical evidence collection
Good evidence increases your chance of a solution. Record dates, take photos of damp or poor insulation, keep bills and emails and make a log of communication with the landlord.
- Take clear photos of problems and save files with timestamps.
- Save all written requests and responses as PDF or printouts.
- Keep energy bills to demonstrate increases or unusual costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my landlord hide the energy label?
- No, tenants may ask for information and the landlord must show relevant documents where possible.
- Can a poor energy label lower the rent?
- An energy label alone does not automatically lower the rent, but it can be part of a complaint or negotiation about living costs.
- Where can I go for help if my landlord does not cooperate?
- You can involve the Rent Tribunal for disputes and consult the subdistrict court for legal steps; see the official sources below.[2]
How-To
- Check and request the energy label
- Document issues
- Submit a written request
- Involve official bodies if needed
- Follow up on agreements and keep evidence
Key takeaways
- Ask proactively for the energy label and keep records.
- Report defects promptly and cooperate with reasonable repairs.
- Use official bodies such as the Rent Tribunal for unresolved disputes.
