Rent Reduction Due to Serious Defects in Rental Property in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, with its iconic harbour buildings and new constructions in neighbourhoods such as Kralingen or Feijenoord, tenants often encounter defects such as leaks due to salty sea wind or mould in older homes. You can demand rent reduction on the basis of Article 7:242 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), which obliges the landlord to remedy defects. Report this in writing to your landlord, with photos, a structural engineering report and details on the impact on your enjoyment of the home. If the landlord ignores it, you can obtain a reduction via the Huurcommissie Rotterdam – free application, binding decision and maximum 40% discount retroactively from the notification. Examples specific to Rotterdam: insufficient insulation in draughty 1930s homes, broken central heating in the cold winter along the Maas or moisture problems due to groundwater in IJsselmonde. The Huurcommissie assesses whether the defect limits usability, such as with structural foundation problems in older neighbourhoods like Delfshaven. The landlord must repair within a reasonable term, otherwise a penalty payment looms. You may not carry out repairs yourself without permission, except in cases of urgency – keep invoices for possible set-off. Block rent increases via the committee and check your rent price with the Rotterdam model contract via the municipal website. Low income? Apply for special assistance at the Rotterdam neighbourhood teams. Judges at the Rechtbank Rotterdam regularly confirm reductions for persistent humidity in flats near the harbour. In serious cases such as unstable foundations, consider termination of the tenancy agreement. The Woonbond Rotterdam offers sample letters and advice hours at the Neighbourhood Centre. This way, you financially compensate for the nuisance without moving out of your Rotterdam home. (248 words)