Rent Reduction Due to Serious Defects in Rental Properties in Tilburg

In Tilburg, you can demand a rent reduction for defects such as leaks, mould, or damp in your rental property, particularly in neighbourhoods like Oud-Zuid or Reeshof. Article 7:242 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) obligates the landlord to carry out repairs. Report the issue in writing, including photographs, a structural survey report, and mention specific problems in Tilburg, such as condensation in older 1930s properties. If the landlord ignores the report, you can claim a reduction through the Rent Assessment Committee (Huurcommissie), with a maximum discount of 40% from the date of notification. Substantiate the defect with a report from a local expert, such as a Tilburg-based structural surveyor. Examples include poor insulation in energy label F properties around the Spoorzone, faulty central heating boilers, or structural damp issues due to high groundwater levels in the municipality. **Procedure:** - Submit a free application to the Rent Assessment Committee. - The ruling is binding and applies retroactively from the date of your notification. - The landlord must carry out repairs within a reasonable period; otherwise, a penalty may be imposed. - In serious cases, such as unstable foundations in older Tilburg properties, consider terminating the tenancy agreement. The Rent Assessment Committee assesses whether the defect limits the usability of the property, taking into account local housing quality standards. Do not carry out repairs yourself without permission, except in urgent cases, such as pest infestations in apartment buildings on Doctor Deelenstraat. Keep invoices for potential reimbursement. Block rent increases through the committee, particularly with housing corporations like WonenBreburg. **Tips:** - Check your rent using the model contract and Tilburg’s rental teams. - On a low income? Apply for special assistance from the Municipality of Tilburg. - Courts in Den Bosch have upheld rent reductions for unresolved damp issues in local rental properties. This allows you to financially compensate for nuisance without moving. Consult the Woonbond (Tenants’ Association) or the Legal Counter (Juridisch Loket) in Tilburg for sample letters and free advice.