What Does Duty of Care Mean for Tenants?
As a tenant in Leiden, you are obliged to treat the property as a good tenant. This means you are responsible for the maintenance and care of the property as if it were your own. Damage due to carelessness or negligence is your responsibility.
Key Aspects of Duty of Care
| Component | Your Task | Practical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Regular maintenance | Cleaning and minor repairs | Descaling taps, clearing drains |
| Damage prevention | Handling the property with care | Not drilling into pipes |
| Reporting defects | Immediately informing the landlord | Reporting leaks immediately |
| Providing access | For essential repairs | Allowing technician for boiler check |
Minor Maintenance (Tenant's Responsibility)
In Leiden, as a tenant you are responsible for the following:
- Replacing light bulbs and batteries
- Maintenance of taps and toilet mechanisms
- Repair of internal door handles and locks
- Caulking the inside of windows
- Oiling hinges
- Cleaning ventilation openings
- Garden maintenance (if applicable)
Major Maintenance (Landlord's Responsibility)
The landlord in Leiden must ensure:
- Repair of roofs and downpipes
- Maintenance of facades and window frames
- Central heating installations and pipework
- Sewerage problems
- Fixed electrical systems
- Exterior painting
Damage and Who Bears the Costs?
Responsibility for Damage
Damage due to negligent or careless behaviour is at the tenant's expense. Normal wear and tear is covered by the landlord. It is strongly recommended to take out contents insurance with liability coverage.
Obligation to Report Problems
Defects must be reported to the landlord immediately. If you fail to do so:
- The damage may increase (at your expense)
- You may lose the right to rent reduction
- The landlord may hold you liable
Who pays the plumber?
This depends on the type of repair. Minor matters such as a new tap are at your expense, while larger problems such as a leaking pipe are paid by the landlord.
What about accidental damage?
Damage due to an accident often falls under your liability insurance. Always report this immediately to your landlord.
Is garden maintenance my task?
Yes, if the garden belongs to the rental property, you are responsible for basic maintenance such as mowing the lawn and weeding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting in Leiden
What rights do I have as a tenant?
As a tenant in Leiden, you have the right to a safe, habitable property, protection against unreasonable rent increases, and the possibility to demand rent reduction in case of defects.
Can my landlord just increase the rent?
No, rent increases are subject to statutory rules. The landlord must announce 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 refunded within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, provided there is no damage.
How do I terminate my tenancy?
In Leiden, you must terminate the tenancy in accordance with the term in your contract, usually in writing and observing the notice period.
What if my property is in poor condition?
Request the landlord in writing to carry out repairs. If these do not materialise, you may carry out the repair yourself and offset the costs against the rent, provided it is within reasonable limits.
Contact and Legal Assistance in Leiden
For legal questions about renting, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden at Stationsweg 46. For disputes, you can contact the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location.