Read it once. Then take one role.
A complete Dutch exchange
Reporting the problem+
Open with your address and an observable description. Use u on a service line.
Goedemiddag. Ik bel over een probleem in mijn woning aan de Parkstraat 18.
Good afternoon. I am calling about a problem in my home at Parkstraat 18.
Wat is er precies aan de hand?
What exactly is going on?
De keukenkraan lekt sinds gisteravond. Er komt ook water in het kastje.
The kitchen tap has been leaking since last night. Water is also getting into the cupboard.
Kunt u een foto sturen?
Could you send a photo?
Ja. Naar welk nummer of e-mailadres kan ik die sturen?
Yes. To which number or email address can I send it?
Ik stuur u zo een link voor de melding.
I will send you a link for the report shortly.
Notice: Sinds gisteravond gives a useful timeline. Describe leak location and effect rather than diagnosing plumbing.
Agreeing access+
Confirm a window, who will be present and how the technician gets in.
De monteur kan donderdag tussen negen en twaalf komen.
The technician can come on Thursday between nine and twelve.
Donderdag kan ik vanaf tien uur thuis zijn. Kan het bezoek na tienen?
On Thursday I can be home from ten. Can the visit be after ten?
Ik kan geen exact tijdstip beloven, maar ik zet het erbij.
I cannot promise an exact time, but I will add it.
Belt de monteur voordat hij of zij aankomt?
Will the technician call before arriving?
Ja, ongeveer een halfuur van tevoren.
Yes, about half an hour beforehand.
Prima. Kunt u de afspraak per sms bevestigen?
Fine. Could you confirm the appointment by text message?
Notice: A time window is a range. Repeat the day and limits rather than assuming an exact arrival time.
Keep the structure. Change the detail.
Useful phrases
Ik wil een reparatie melden.
I would like to report a repair.
A standard purpose statement.Het probleem is begonnen op …
The problem started on …
Use a day or approximate time.Er komt water uit / bij …
Water is coming out of / near …
Name only what you observe.Wanneer kan er iemand langskomen?
When can someone come by?
Er iemand keeps the request neutral.Ik ben tussen … en … thuis.
I am home between … and …
Give an honest access window.Wat is het meldingsnummer?
What is the report reference number?
Useful for a later follow-up.Repair the sentence
Common mistakes and clearer alternatives
Mijn kraan is kapot sinds gisteren avond.
Mijn kraan lekt sinds gisteravond.
Wanneer iemand komt?
Wanneer kan er iemand langskomen?
Monteur kan binnen gaan.
De monteur kan naar binnen als ik thuis ben.
Make it fit your situation
Two useful adaptations
The offered time does not work
Dat tijdvak lukt helaas niet. Heeft u vrijdagmiddag of maandagmorgen nog plek?
Unfortunately that time window does not work. Do you have availability Friday afternoon or Monday morning?
Offer two alternatives to keep scheduling moving.No one has arrived
Ik heb een afspraak tussen negen en twaalf, maar er is nog niemand geweest. Kunt u de status nakijken?
I have an appointment between nine and twelve, but nobody has been yet. Could you check the status?
State the agreed window before requesting an update.Your turn
Say a version that belongs to you
Make a repair call in five turns
Report one real or invented household problem and arrange entry.
- Give your address and purpose.
- Describe the location, symptom and start time.
- Ask when someone can come.
- Accept or counter the time window.
- Confirm contact method and reference number.
Common questions
Before you practise
Should I call it urgent?+
Describe what is happening and any immediate practical effect. Follow your landlord's emergency instructions; this language guide cannot classify urgency.
Who pays for the repair?+
That depends on the repair and agreement. Official guidance distinguishes minor tenant repairs from major landlord maintenance; seek case-specific advice if disputed.
Can I ask the technician to call first?+
Yes: Kunt u mij een halfuur van tevoren bellen? Confirm whether the planner can promise it.
Checked context
Sources
- Rented housing
Checked 10 Sept 2026 · General division between minor tenant repairs and major landlord maintenance, and access for maintenance.
- Involving the Rent Tribunal
Checked 10 Sept 2026 · Maintenance disputes can fall within Rent Tribunal procedures in eligible rental sectors; the guide itself stays at communication level.