Entitled to a rent reduction for a garage?

Questioner

We rent a separate garage box through a housing association. Work is taking place on the street in front of the garage to replace the sewer, lay new paving, adjust green areas, etc. These works will take 6 to 7 weeks and during this time we will not be able to enter or leave the garage. Can we claim a refund of rent?

Lawyer

In principle not. The work is beyond the landlord's control and he has no influence on it to provide you with the rental enjoyment to which you are entitled. Filing a complaint with the municipality would still be possible, but only if the work would take longer than planned. I advise you to talk to the landlord and ask for a rent reduction.