Legal Rights and Tenant Protections in the Netherlands

Dutch law provides strong legal protections for tenants. Understanding these rights ensures you can defend yourself if conflicts arise with a landlord or agency.

Key Rights

• Rent control: For properties under a certain point threshold (typically under €879/month), rent is regulated

• Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal): You can file disputes about rent, maintenance, or service costs here

• Deposit protection: Landlords must return the deposit within a reasonable time after the lease ends, typically 30 days

• No agency fees: If you did not hire a rental agency yourself, you should not be charged a mediation fee

• Privacy: Landlords must give notice before entering the property

What to Do if Problems Arise

• Speak to the landlord first to try to resolve the issue amicably

• Send formal letters/emails to document complaints or requests

• If unresolved, consult !WOON (tenant rights group) or Juridisch Loket (free legal aid)

Resources like the Huurcommissie can help with rent adjustments and dispute resolution.