Gebreken (Defects)
Understanding the Dutch rental term "Gebreken" and what it means for tenants in the Netherlands.
Definition
Physical defects or faults in a rental property that the landlord is responsible for repairing. Dutch law distinguishes between minor day-to-day maintenance (tenant's responsibility) and serious structural or system defects (landlord's responsibility). Unresolved gebreken can entitle the tenant to a temporary rent reduction.
When You'll Encounter This
You will deal with gebreken when something in your rental property breaks down or deteriorates, such as a faulty heating system, persistent mold, or structural problems.
Example
The central heating in your apartment has not worked for three weeks despite your written requests to the landlord. You file a gebreken complaint with the Huurcommissie, which orders the landlord to repair the heating and grants you a temporary rent reduction.
Practical Tip
Always report defects to your landlord in writing (email is fine) and keep a record of the date and their response. If the landlord ignores your requests, you can ask the Huurcommissie to intervene — you do not need to withhold rent yourself.
Related Terms
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