Hidden defects after purchase
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Have you discovered a defect in your home after the transfer? Read the purchase agreement, report the problem to the seller and document what is wrong before having it repaired.
General information about Dutch law · Reviewed on · How we work
On this page
Document the defect
Note when the problem became apparent. Keep photographs, the seller's questionnaire and the inspection report. Do you disagree about the cause or the repair? Then ask an independent expert to assess it.
Read the purchase agreements
The seller is not responsible for every unexpected maintenance problem. Relevant factors include the normal use of the home, your own investigation, what the seller has stated and special provisions in the purchase agreement.
Report it and discuss repairs
Report the problem to the seller in writing as soon as possible. Give the seller the opportunity to investigate it and, where necessary, remedy it. Have liability and complaint time limits assessed before recovering costs from the seller.
Your checklist
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 3 · Where do you stand with this item?
Purchase agreement and clauses
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 3 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Purchase agreement and clauses
- Questionnaire and inspection
- Photographs and date of discovery
Frequently asked questions
Can I immediately arrange repairs at the seller's expense?
Do not assume this automatically. Document urgency and necessary measures and, where possible, consult first so that investigation and repairs are not impeded.