Maintenance Obligations of Landlord and Tenant in Rental Properties in Tilburg

Article 7:206 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) divides maintenance obligations in rental properties in Tilburg: the landlord is responsible for major maintenance, such as roof repairs, foundations, and façades, while the tenant handles minor maintenance, including painting, replacing locks, and small repairs. In Tilburg, where many rental properties are located in districts such as Oud-Zuid and Reeshof, defects must always be reported to the landlord in writing and without delay. The landlord is required to carry out repairs within six weeks; otherwise, the tenant may claim a rent reduction through the **Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie)**. Tenants in Tilburg are not permitted to perform major work themselves, such as replacing a central heating boiler—this remains the landlord’s responsibility, often in collaboration with the **Association of Tilburg Landlords (Vereniging van Tilburgse Verhuurders)**. In case of disputes, the Rent Tribunal in Den Bosch will decide, with specific attention to regional housing quality standards. **Examples:** - If you repair a leaking tap in your apartment on Doctor Deelenstraat, you may offset the costs against your rent after providing an invoice. - The landlord must replace the boiler in accordance with Tilburg’s energy standards. Document all issues with photographs and report them immediately to the municipality via [tilburg.nl/wonen](https://tilburg.nl/wonen). Neglect may lead to lease termination through the **canton court (kantonrechter)** in Tilburg. **Model contracts** from the **Dutch Tenants’ Association (Woonbond)** specify responsibilities; tenants must keep the property clean and report damage immediately. Landlords conduct annual inspections, sometimes with assistance from the **Tilburg Housing Inspection (Tilburgse woninginspectie)**. In rent-to-own schemes for new-build projects, such as those in the **Spoorzone**, tenants bear greater responsibility. **Tips:** - Conduct a **rental inspection** before moving in, particularly with housing corporations like **WonenBreburg**. - Low-income households may benefit from Tilburg’s maintenance subsidies via the **Social Support Act (Wmo) desk**. - Courts in **Oost-Brabant District Court** may impose cost orders for negligence. - Cooperation with local tenants’ associations helps prevent conflicts. The **Woonbond** and **Tilburg Tenants’ Federation (Tilburgse Huurdersfederatie)** provide checklists to ensure your home in Tilburg remains habitable and relationships harmonious.