When Must You Allow Your Landlord Access in Leiden?
As a tenant in Leiden, you have the right to privacy in your home, but there are moments when you must grant the landlord access. This is laid down in law and there are clear limits to this right.
Situations in Which Access Is Mandatory
| Circumstance | Conditions | Prior Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Acute emergency | No consent required | Not required |
| Urgent repairs | Access is mandatory | As soon as possible |
| Regular maintenance | Reasonable scheduling | At least several days in advance |
| Inspection or check | Prior notification | In writing, well in advance |
| Viewing for sale | At reasonable times | By mutual agreement |
Your Rights as a Tenant in Leiden
As a tenant, you have the following rights:
- Privacy protection: No unannounced visits
- Reasonable arrangements: At suitable times
- Right to be present: You may be present during the visit
- Right to refuse: For unreasonable requests
When Can You Refuse Access?
Reasons to Refuse Access
- No prior announcement (except in emergencies)
- Inappropriate times (e.g., in the middle of the night)
- Too many visits in a short time
- No specific reason for the visit
- Landlord wants to just "look around" without purpose
Emergencies and Immediate Access
In case of emergency, the landlord can gain immediate access:
- Serious water leakage
- Gas leak with danger
- Fire or risk thereof
- Risk of collapse
Rules for Renovation or Major Maintenance
For renovations in Leiden, specific conditions apply:
- The landlord must submit a renovation proposal
- For complex renovation, 70% consent of tenants is required
- For major work, right to temporary housing with compensation
- Right to return after completion of the renovation
Viewings When Selling the Property
If your home in Leiden is for sale:
- You must allow reasonable viewings
- No daily or impractical times
- Your tenancy agreement remains valid ("purchase does not break lease")
Must I give a key to the landlord?
No, you are not obliged to hand over a key. The landlord may not enter without permission, even with their own key.
What if I have no time for appointments?
You must cooperate with a reasonable schedule. In case of continued refusal, the landlord can enforce access via the court.
How often may a landlord inspect?
There is no statutory limit, but an inspection once a year or every two years is normal. More frequently must be well justified.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tenancy Rights in Leiden
What are my rights as a tenant?
As a tenant in Leiden, you have the right to a safe home, protection against unreasonable rent increases, and the right to take action if the home is uninhabitable.
Can my landlord just raise the rent?
No, rent increases are subject to strict rules. The landlord must notify this in writing at least two months in advance and may not exceed the statutory limit.
What happens to my deposit?
The deposit must be deposited by the landlord into an account and repaid within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, unless damage has been found.
How do I terminate my tenancy?
Terminating the tenancy can be done according to the notice period in your contract, usually in writing and observing the agreed period.
What to do with a poorly maintained home?
First write to the landlord with a request for repair. If no response within a reasonable time, you can have repairs done yourself and offset the costs against the rent.
Legal Assistance in Leiden
For advice or disputes, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles tenancy matters in this region.