Lessor's liability for damage when renting a boat

Questioner

Today we celebrated our grandparents' birthday with the family. We had rented a few punts in Giethoorn but after sailing it turned out that 3 of us had stains in our pants. In our opinion it is paint stains caused by the punt. (Colour) matches the inside of the boat. I reported this to the rental company and they said they could do nothing. (Boy of +/- 16) Then called his boss who indicated that it did not come from the boat. Because according to him they were painted in the winter. After a short discussion he indicated that we should first wash the trousers and that we would look further after that. I did send an email with photos of the 3 trousers. When I got home I washed the trousers and as expected. The paint did not come out. I contacted him again and now I was told that it was our own fault because the stains were caused by sitting on the front of the boat. The connection was then broken. My question; is the landlord liable? If so, what is the best thing for me to do?

Lawyer

The landlord is in principle liable for defective rented items that have caused damage. However, the tenant must handle the item with care without any blame being attached to him. If you claim compensation, you will also have to prove the damage that has occurred as a result of using the punters. Landlords can often claim such damage on their liability insurance.