Tenants and Repairs in the Netherlands: Who Pays?

Responsibilities for maintenance

In general, structural and technical maintenance is the responsibility of the landlord. Think of load-bearing structures, roof, foundation and major installations; this follows from tenancy law as included in the Civil Code Book 7 ^[1]. As a tenant you usually do not have to bear these costs yourself.

• Heating and hot water supply (heating) are usually the landlord's responsibility.
• Leaks in pipes and water installations (water) must be fixed by the landlord.
• Problems with locks or unauthorized access (entry) are part of rental safety.

Small repairs tenants pay for

Some small repairs are normally the tenant's responsibility, especially for minor wear and tear or consumables. Examples include replacing a broken bulb, small sealant jobs or fixing a loose skirting board. Make clear agreements with your landlord when something is unclear.

• Replacing bulbs and small fixture repairs (repair) often fall to the tenant.
• Small materials such as filler or screws are usually not reimbursed by the landlord (payment).
• Keep all communication and quotes recorded as documentation (evidence).

What to do in case of a dispute

If you disagree about who should pay, first discuss this in writing with your landlord and ask for a clear quote. If that does not solve the issue you can file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal (www.huurcommissie.nl) ^[2] or, in some cases, involve the subdistrict court. The Rent Tribunal handles many questions about service charges and maintenance and has a clear procedure.

Steps to dispute costs

1. Contact the landlord in writing and ask for a cost specification (submit).
2. Collect evidence: photos, quotes and payment receipts (evidence).
3. If necessary, file a request with the Rent Tribunal according to their procedure (file).
4. If the Rent Tribunal does not provide a solution, consider the subdistrict court for other disputes (court).

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for small repairs?

Small repairs such as replacing bulbs or small sealant jobs are often the tenant's responsibility; structural repairs are usually the landlord's.

When can I involve the Rent Tribunal?

You can approach the Rent Tribunal for disputes about service charges and sometimes maintenance issues; check the Rent Tribunal website for the procedure ^[2].

What should I keep as evidence?

Keep photos, emails, quotes and payment receipts; this helps with complaints and with procedures before the Rent Tribunal or court.

How-To

1. Step 1: Contact the landlord - Send a clear email or letter to the landlord with your complaint and a deadline for repair (submit).
2. Step 2: Collect evidence - Gather evidence and take photos of defects and incurred costs (evidence).
3. Step 3: File with the Rent Tribunal - File a request with the Rent Tribunal if the landlord does not cooperate (file).
4. Step 4: Consider legal action - Consider the subdistrict court for further legal steps (court).

Key takeaways

• Structural maintenance is usually the landlord's responsibility.
• Small repairs may be the tenant's responsibility; always keep proof of costs.
• Use the Rent Tribunal for disputes about service charges or maintenance complaints.

Help and Support

• [1] wetten.overheid.nl - Civil Code Book 7
• [2] huurcommissie.nl - Information and procedures
• [3] government.nl - Government guidance for tenants

1. [1] wetten.overheid.nl - Civil Code Book 7
2. [2] huurcommissie.nl - Information and procedures
3. [3] government.nl - Government guidance for tenants