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
An independent government body that resolves disputes between tenants and landlords regarding rent prices, service charges, maintenance, and other rental issues.
The upkeep and repair of a rental property.
A detailed written report documenting the condition of a rental property at the time of move-in and move-out.
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