Who pays for illness or pregnancy — tenants Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands you may worry about who pays costs if illness or pregnancy temporarily prevents you from maintaining the home or if you need extra help. This article explains in clear language the obligations and rights tenants and landlords have regarding maintenance, small repairs, medical adaptations and possible rent adjustments. You will also read which steps to take: which forms to use, when to involve the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) and how to gather evidence. The explanation is based on Dutch law and gives practical tips so you know faster what to expect and which authorities can help.
What does the law say?
In the Netherlands, Book 7 of the Civil Code regulates obligations related to rent and maintenance and what landlord and tenant may expect from each other[1]. In short, the landlord is responsible for the condition of the rented property needed for normal use; the tenant must take care of small repairs and normal wear and tear.
Who normally pays?
Responsibilities differ by situation. Below is an overview of common tasks and who usually pays for them.
- Landlord: major repairs and structural maintenance such as the roof, foundation and heating system (reparaties (repair)).
- Landlord: defects that affect habitability or safety, for example a broken heating system or leaking roof (reparaties (repair)).
Tenants also have obligations:
- Tenant: small repairs and household maintenance up to a reasonable cost limit, such as replacing a broken knob or small sealant (reparaties (repair)).
- Tenant: routine costs and damage caused by negligent behavior (huurbetalingen (rent)).
Illness or pregnancy: special considerations
With illness or pregnancy there can be practical consequences: you may be temporarily unable to do small jobs, medical adaptations may be needed, or you may need extra heating/ventilation. The landlord is generally not required to pay for comfort improvements that go beyond the normal condition of the property, but adaptations for health or accessibility can fall under different rules. Always first discuss with your landlord which changes are needed and who will cover the costs.
Step-by-step
- Report the problem to your landlord immediately and describe what is wrong (contact (contact)).
- Gather evidence: photos, dates, medical certificates and receipts for expenses (evidence (evidence)).
- Request repair or compensation in writing and give a reasonable deadline; keep the requests as proof (application (application)).
- If discussions fail, consider filing a complaint with the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) or going to the subdistrict court (kantonrechter) (application (application)).
Frequently asked questions
- Who pays small household repairs during illness?
- Small repairs usually remain the tenant's responsibility unless the tenant can demonstrably not perform them due to illness and this causes unforeseen damage; communicating with the landlord is essential.
- Can I make health-related adjustments without permission?
- Minor adjustments that are not structural can often be made, but it is advisable to consult the landlord; structural changes usually require permission and sometimes compensation.
- What does the Rent Tribunal do and when should I involve it?
- The Rent Tribunal handles disputes about rent and service charges and can issue binding decisions; for maintenance disputes try to resolve the issue in writing first and then consider involving the Rent Tribunal or court if necessary[2].
Key points
- Keep all communication and receipts as evidence for possible steps or proceedings (note (note)).
- Inform the landlord in writing and provide reasonable deadlines for repairs (approved (approved)).
- Consider medical documentation to show why an adaptation or compensation is needed (safety (safety)).
Help and support
- Civil Code Book 7 on Wetten.overheid.nl
- Huurcommissie for rent disputes
- Government of the Netherlands - information and help
