When Tenants Report Changes on Time — Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands, it is important to report changes in your living situation or in the rental agreement to the landlord in a timely manner. This can include address changes, notifying additional household members, minor repairs or larger maintenance work. Reporting on time keeps responsibilities and costs clear and helps prevent misunderstandings or legal action. In this article we explain in plain language which timeframes commonly apply, who usually pays for small repairs, and what steps you can take if the landlord does not respond. We refer to official sources and give practical action points so you as a tenant in the Netherlands better understand your rights and act within the correct timeframes.
What counts as a change?
By "change" we mean alterations that affect the rental agreement or the use of the dwelling. This can for example be an address change, notifying extra occupants, or technical modifications. Reports about necessary repairs or defects also fall under this. For repairs and maintenance, the distinction between small repairs and major maintenance items is often important; small repairs are usually the tenant's responsibility unless agreed otherwise in the contract.
Timeframes and small repairs
There are no fixed national timeframes for all kinds of reports; legal rights and obligations are set out in the Civil Code Book 7 and are explained in practice by bodies such as the Rent Tribunal.[1][2] In practice, reasonable response times often apply to repair requests: acute defects (for example no heating in winter) must be resolved quickly, other complaints within a few weeks.
- Acute defects: report immediately and request a prompt repair.
- Non-urgent repairs: report in writing and record the date.
- Address or contract changes: notify as soon as possible.
What to do if the landlord does not respond
If your landlord does not respond adequately, start with a written reminder and set a reasonable deadline for completion. If that fails, you can file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or go to the subdistrict court depending on the dispute.[2] Document all communication and work, take photos/videos and keep receipts.
Frequently asked questions
- Must I report every change in writing?
- It is advisable to report changes in writing so there is proof, although for some small changes verbal agreements may be possible.
- Who pays for small repairs?
- Small repairs are generally the tenant's responsibility unless otherwise agreed in the rental agreement.
- What does the Rent Tribunal do?
- The Rent Tribunal handles disputes about rent, service charges and sometimes maintenance issues; it issues binding decisions in certain cases.[2]
How-To
- Report the change or complaint to the landlord in writing as soon as possible.
- Set a reasonable deadline for repair and request confirmation of receipt.
- Document damage and correspondence (photos, emails, receipts).
- Involve the Rent Tribunal or legal help if the landlord does not respond.[2]
Help and support
- Civil Code Book 7 (tenancy law) — wetten.overheid.nl
- Rent Tribunal — huurcommissie.nl
- General tenant information — government.nl
