The Kelderluik-arrest
The Kelderluik-arrest is a landmark Supreme Court ruling from 1968 that governs liability for defects in buildings. A passerby fell through an open cellar hatch and suffered serious injuries. The Supreme Court held the owner liable under strict liability, without requiring proof of fault. This is essential for victims in Tilburg who slip or fall and seek to claim damages through the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda.
What is the Kelderluik-arrest?
The Kelderluik-arrest (Supreme Court, 5 November 1968, NJ 1969/10) concerns a 14-year-old boy in Amsterdam who fell through an open cellar hatch. The shopkeeper had opened the hatch for deliveries without barriers or warnings. The boy claimed personal injury damages, and the Supreme Court ruled that the hatch constituted a defect in the building's setup, creating an abnormal risk for passersby.
This ruling established strict liability for defective buildings. It focuses on objective risk rather than fault, simplifying claims for victims in Tilburg, such as accidents in Heuvelstraat or the Spoorzone. It ties into broader issues like slipping and falling, where pedestrians are vulnerable due to poor maintenance.
Essence: a building is defective if it fails to meet expected standards, leading to damage. This includes stairs, railings, and sidewalks in Tilburg neighborhoods.
Legal Basis
The ruling is codified in Book 6, Title 3, Section 5 of the Dutch Civil Code, particularly Article 6:174 DCC: "The possessor of a building or structure is liable for damage to third parties caused by a defect therein." This is pure strict liability; no negligence is required.
Article 6:175 DCC defines a defect as a deviation from reasonable expectations during normal use. Examples include open hatches without signs, slippery surfaces, or loose railings. The possessor (owner or tenant in Tilburg) is responsible, except in cases of force majeure or claimant's own fault (art. 6:101 DCC). Contact the Juridisch Loket Tilburg for advice.
In practice, this is often combined with Article 6:162 DCC (unlawful act) in cases of negligence. Rulings like the Schilderarrest (Supreme Court 1994) expanded it, but the Kelderluik-arrest remains core for real estate.
Practical Examples
This ruling plays a key role in daily personal injury cases in Tilburg. Suppose you trip over a broken manhole cover on a sidewalk in the city center. The Municipality of Tilburg, as possessor, is liable under Article 6:174 DCC. Claim medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering without proving negligence.
Or: in a Tilburg apartment building, a resident slips on a wet staircase without anti-slip measures. If the owners' association (VvE) fails to act, the ruling applies. Courts assess against NEN standards (e.g., NEN 3215). In a 2023 case at the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda), a victim received €28,000 after falling due to a defective balcony railing in a residential area.
Tilburg business owners: secure a cellar hatch with barriers and signs when in use, or risk claims as in the ruling.
Rights and Obligations
As a Tilburg victim of a building defect, you can claim full compensation, such as:
- Medical costs: hospital and therapy.
- Lost income: salary loss.
- Pain and suffering: €1,000–€50,000 for distress.
- Other: household help or travel expenses.
The possessor must maintain and repair (art. 6:174(2) DCC). Limitation period: 5 years (art. 3:310 DCC). Report to police, take photos, and contact the Juridisch Loket Tilburg.
Comparison with Other Liability Grounds
| Type of Liability | Basis | Proof Required | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict Liability (Kelderluik) | Art. 6:174 DCC | Defect in building | Fall through open hatch in Tilburg |
| Unlawful Act | Art. 6:162 DCC | Fault/negligence | Slippery floor due to neglect |
| Product Liability | Art. 6:185 DCC | Product defect | Faulty railing in shop |
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.