{"id":1683,"date":"2026-06-10T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/noclaims.nl\/kennisbank\/legal-obligations-property-management\/"},"modified":"2026-10-06T08:26:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T08:26:03","slug":"legal-obligations-property-management","status":"publish","type":"kennisbank","link":"https:\/\/noclaims.nl\/en\/kennisbank\/legal-obligations-property-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal obligations in property management: the complete overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Legal obligations in property management: the complete overview<\/h1>

Written by: NoClaims - Last updated: 06-10-2026 at 08:26 hrs<\/p><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a property manager or building owner, you are responsible for the safety of your building and the people who use it. That responsibility is not without obligation: Dutch law requires many installations to be inspected and recorded periodically. Those who fail to comply risk liability<\/strong>, problems with their insurer or even closure of the building.<\/p>\n

In this article you will find a complete overview: which inspections are mandatory, how often, who is responsible and how to keep track of everything structurally.[\/vc_column_text]

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Liability always remains with you<\/h1>

A common misconception is that liability transfers to an external party as soon as you outsource management. That is not the case: the legal duty of care<\/strong> always remains with you as the owner or manager. You remain ultimately responsible for ensuring the inspection takes place, that the result is documented and that defects are followed up.<\/p>\n

The consequences of a missed inspection are significant: a lift can be shut down, the municipality can impose a usage ban and, in the event of an incident, the insurer can refuse to pay out.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Mandatory inspections per type of installation<\/h2>\n

Lifts: every 18 months (Warenwetbesluit Liften)<\/h3>\n

Every lift must be inspected at least once every 18 months by an accredited inspection body. The technical condition, safety provisions, emergency systems and wear are checked. In addition, there is a maintenance obligation by a recognised maintenance company; the maintenance status is also recorded.<\/p>\n

Fire alarm system: annual inspection<\/h3>\n

A fire alarm system is inspected annually by a certified party, in accordance with the applicable NEN standards. The manager is also required to keep a logbook of maintenance, malfunctions, notifications and corrective actions.<\/p>\n

Fire extinguishers and emergency lighting: annually<\/h3>\n

Fire extinguishers are checked annually for operation, pressure and shelf life, recorded with location, type and date. Emergency lighting is tested annually for automatic activation and light intensity; the test results are recorded.<\/p>\n

Electrical installations: NEN 3140<\/h3>\n

Electrical installations are inspected periodically according to NEN 3140, for much commercial real estate at least every four years. The inspection is carried out by a competent person or accredited body; the report must be available during an inspection. A complete practical overview can be found in mandatory inspections for an office building<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Who is responsible for compliance?<\/h2>\n

Legally, the duty of care initially rests with the owner. If management is outsourced to a property manager, certain responsibilities can be transferred contractually, provided this is recorded in writing and concretely: which inspections, how reporting is done and what the consequences are in the event of non-compliance.<\/p>\n

You can transfer the execution of inspections and maintenance, but not the ultimate responsibility that they actually take place and are documented. Active monitoring of outsourced work is therefore essential.<\/p>\n

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Documentation and record-keeping obligation<\/h2>\n

During an inspection by the municipality, fire brigade or the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, you must be able to show, among other things:<\/p>\n