Tenants' Rights for Sickness and Pregnancy in Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands you may face illness or pregnancy that affects living, maintenance and rent payments. This article explains in simple terms the rights and obligations tenants and landlords have during long-term illness or during and after pregnancy. You will learn when the landlord may ask you to leave the home, which repairs are often the landlord's responsibility, and how to request protections from the Rent Tribunal or court. There are also practical steps for reporting complaints, keeping evidence and asking for reasonable modifications to the home. This helps you know what to do and where to find help in the Netherlands.
What to do if you are ill or pregnant
When ill or pregnant it is important to act quickly and clearly. Inform your landlord in writing about your situation and request reasonable adjustments if needed. In some cases, law and case law provide extra protection for tenants; consult the relevant rules and authorities for details[1][2].
- Notify your landlord in writing about your situation (notice) and keep a copy.
- Request reasonable adjustments or help with maintenance (repair) if accessibility or health requires it.
- Keep medical documents and communication as evidence (document).
- Pay attention to deadlines: respond within required timeframes and track dates (days).
Maintenance and small repairs
Maintenance responsibilities often depend on the lease and the law. Generally, structural and essential facilities (such as heating and roof) must be maintained by the landlord, while small repairs may be the tenant's responsibility. Exact rules can be found in the Civil Code and on official sites[1].
- Major structural repairs and defects to basic facilities are usually the landlord's responsibility (repair).
- Small repairs, like bulbs or minor damage, can be the tenant's responsibility (repair).
- Record the date of the report and the landlord's responses as evidence (document).
When to seek help
If you cannot reach agreement with the landlord, you can involve the Rent Tribunal for disputes about rent or service charges and the cantonal court for other matters. For advice and procedures see the official Rent Tribunal and government websites[2][3].
- File a complaint with the Rent Tribunal for rent or service charge disputes (form).
- Consider legal action in the cantonal court for other legal issues (court).
- Seek free or low-cost legal aid if you need a lawyer (contact).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the landlord terminate the lease because I am ill?
- Termination solely due to illness is generally limited; the landlord must have a reasonable ground and legal basis, and the court often assesses this based on circumstances and law[1].
- Who pays for repairs if I am ill or pregnant?
- Major and essential repairs are usually the landlord's responsibility; minor maintenance tasks may be the tenant's responsibility. Check your lease and the Civil Code[1].
- Can I request a temporary rent reduction due to uninhabitability or health risk?
- In some cases rent reduction is possible; for disputes over rent or service charges you can ask the Rent Tribunal for a decision[2].
- Where can I get help with disputes or questions?
- You can contact the Rent Tribunal, official government information, and local legal aid for advice and procedures[2][3].
How-To guide
- Write and send a notice to your landlord and keep a copy (form).
- Take photos and keep medical documents and correspondence as evidence (document).
- Request reasonable adjustments or repairs in writing within a reasonable timeframe (notice).
- If disagreement continues, file a request with the Rent Tribunal for rent or service charge disputes (file).
- Seek legal assistance or ask the cantonal court for a ruling if necessary (court).
Key takeaways
- Always keep evidence of reports and medical information (document).
- Report complaints in writing and within reasonable timeframes (notice).
- For disputes, you can involve the Rent Tribunal for specific rent issues (form).
