I'm renting a small apartment in Amsterdam-West built in 1950. The kitchen sink is original, pipes underneath are corroded, and water sometimes pools under there. My landlord says it's my problem to fix. Before I call a plumber, I need to know: do I need gemeente permission to replace the sink and the old copper pipes behind it? And who actually pays for this?
✓ Accepted answer
Under Dutch rental law (BW 7:17), your landlord must maintain the property in habitable condition—that includes functional plumbing. Water leaks and corrosion are structural defects, not wear-and-tear, so your landlord pays. You don't need a gemeente permit for simple sink and pipe replacement; it only triggers building approval if you alter the main water inlet or drain routing significantly (check with your gemeente's bouwdienst if unsure). A professional will know. Expect €800–1,500 for removing old pipes, replacing the sink, and installing new supply lines, depending on access and whether asbestos inspection is needed (common in 1950s homes, adds €200–400). Post this job on AstraNL to get quotes from verified Amsterdam plumbers—they'll advise on permits and handle the landlord paperwork.
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