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Emergency: Access Obligation

In emergencies in Rijswijk, the landlord may enter your home immediately. Laws, examples, and rights for tenants.

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Emergency: Landlord's Access Obligation in Rijswijk

In Rijswijk, a landlord has the right to immediate access to your rental property in an emergency under strict conditions, even without your consent. Examples include water leaks, gas leaks, or acute fire risks. The law protects both safety and damage mitigation. As a tenant in Rijswijk, you can expect minimal preparation time and compensation for unjustified or poorly organized access.

When is there an emergency in Rijswijk?

An emergency requires immediate action to:

  • Avoid health hazards (such as gas leaks, severe mold growth, or spoiled food in the refrigerator)
  • Limit damage to property (e.g., leaking roof or impending flooding)
  • Eliminate fire risks (defective wiring or short circuit)
  • Guarantee the safety of yourself, neighbors, or others (e.g., subsiding foundation)

The law does not define a complete list, but the threat must be acute and unavoidable. In Rijswijk, a landlord may not simply enter for rent checks or trivial matters.

Legal basis for Rijswijk

The core rules for emergency access are set out in:

  • Article 7:231 DCC: Balance between the rights and obligations of tenant and landlord regarding access to the dwelling.
  • Article 7:232 DCC: Access only at reasonable times with notice, except in emergencies.
  • Article 7:233 DCC: Landlord must inform you afterwards, if feasible.

In addition, reasonableness and fairness apply (art. 6:2 DCC). For Rijswijk: in case of disputes, contact the District Court of The Hague (district) or Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.

Practical examples

Overview of situations in Rijswijk:

Emergency (access permitted) No emergency (access not obligatory)
  • Gas leak with explosion risk
  • Water infiltration damaging walls (e.g., leaking ceiling)
  • Overheated electricity with fire risk
  • Hygienic risk due to rotting food
  • Unstable beam or stairs
  • Rent collection check
  • Routine inspection
  • Non-urgent washing machine repair
  • Submitting new inventory
  • Long-term, non-acute damage

Rights and obligations in Rijswijk

Landlord's rights

  • Immediate access: Without consent in case of acute threat, possibly with emergency services.
  • Emergency repairs: Obligation to intervene quickly.
  • Inform: Explanation afterwards about the intervention.

Landlord's obligations

  • No unnecessary interference: Respect privacy and cause minimal nuisance.
  • Limit disruption: Prevent unnecessary disturbance (not at night without reason).
  • Compensation: In case of abuse, you can claim damages via District Court of The Hague.

Tenant's rights

  • Notice: Informed in advance where possible.
  • Cost overview: Transparency regarding repair expenses.
  • Claim: In case of unlawful access via Juridisch Loket Rijswijk or court.