What Does the Maintenance Obligation Entail?
A landlord in Rijswijk must ensure that the rental property remains in good condition. This means that problems that reduce living comfort must be resolved. This obligation is legally established and applies to every landlord in the Netherlands, including Rijswijk.
What Falls Under the Landlord's Responsibility?
| Element | Examples | Repair Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Roof, foundation, walls | Varies by urgency |
| Technical Installations | Heating, water pipes, electricity | Immediately upon defects |
| Common Areas | Hallway, elevator, access | Periodic maintenance |
| Exterior | Windows, exterior painting | Every 5-7 years |
| Drainage Systems | Sewerage, drain pipes | Quickly in case of blockages |
What is Considered Major Maintenance?
- Repair or replacement of the roof
- Maintenance of facades and pointing
- Replacement of heating systems
- Renovation of sanitary facilities or kitchen due to wear
- Repair and maintenance of elevators
- Replacement of window frames
Response Deadlines for Problems
Types of Defects
- Immediate Emergency (Category A): Within 24 hours (e.g., gas leak, heating failure in winter)
- Urgent (Category B): Within 7 days (e.g., water leakage, defective access door)
- Standard (Category C): Within 6 weeks (e.g., mold growth, windows that do not close properly)
What If the Landlord Does Not Respond?
If your landlord in Rijswijk does not take action on defects, you can take the following steps:
- Send an official letter with a clear deadline for repair.
- File a complaint with the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie).
- Consider a request for rent reduction.
- Approach the court for a coercive measure.
- Repair yourself and claim the costs, provided they are well documented.
Can I Perform Repairs Myself and Reclaim the Costs?
Yes, provided you have first warned the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline. Keep all invoices and receipts.
Who Bears the Costs for Damage Caused by an Aged Roof?
The landlord is responsible, as this falls under major maintenance. Damage to personal belongings can also be recovered from the landlord.
How Long May a Repair Take in Rijswijk?
This depends on the severity of the problem. In case of serious defects, the landlord must take immediate action.
Frequently Asked Questions about Landlords in Rijswijk
What rights do I have as a tenant in Rijswijk?
As a tenant, you have the right to a safe, habitable home, protection against unreasonable rent increases, and the ability to take action if the property does not meet the standards.
Can my landlord increase the rent arbitrarily?
No, rent increases are subject to statutory rules. The landlord must inform you in writing at least two months in advance and may not charge more than permitted.
What happens to my deposit?
The landlord must keep the deposit in an account and must return it within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, unless damage has been found.
How do I terminate my rental agreement in Rijswijk?
You can terminate the rental agreement in accordance with the notice period in your contract, usually in writing and observing the notice period.
What if my home is in poor condition?
Request the landlord in writing to carry out repairs. If there is no response within a reasonable time, you can have repairs done yourself and offset the costs against the rent.
Contact and Assistance in Rijswijk
For legal support, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk. In case of disputes, a case can be submitted to the District Court of The Hague, under which Rijswijk falls.