Rental Dispute: Get Help with Your Problem

Questioner

I rent a house from a private individual. The kitchen does not look good. The doors do open/close well except for the corner cabinets (doors remain attached to the other corner door both above and below) but the appearance looks best old and fairly worn. The corner cabinets are not really common because the shelves do not remain stable. It was already like this when I moved into the house. Landlord then promised that a new kitchen would come, but we are 4.5 years further ... extractor hood is too low, I have bumped my head several times (I am not tall, 166 cm). Kitchen floor is not level, under the gas stove there should be pieces of wood to keep it at the same height, the same applies to the fridge. Could I go to the rent committee with it since the landlord does nothing about it and I have also made several requests about it?? CV boiler has a kind of water leak that the landlord has 'solved' with a kind of thin pipe to the sink ... Please advise.

Lawyer

You must first formally notify the landlord in writing of the default to repair the defects within a certain period, failing which you will have this done at his expense and/or demand a reduction in rent. The landlord must also provide you with the enjoyment of the rental property, which you can also make known in writing. Should the landlord still not want to comply with this, please contact me for further assistance.

Lawyer

The rent may have been adjusted to the situation. For some of the things you mention, you may put the landlord in default, especially when it comes to safety aspects of the central heating boiler. You must take into account that when installing a new kitchen, the rent will be adjusted upwards if it is not clear in advance that it concerns defects of the rented property. If it concerns social housing, you can also apply for a rent reduction at the rent committee or otherwise via the subdistrict court.

Questioner

Thank you for your prompt response. I will once again report the defects in writing. Is it sufficient via a text message or does it have to be by registered mail? Thanks again.

Lawyer

Preferably you can report this in writing (registered mail is allowed but not required). That is usually sufficient.