Childproofing a Rental Home: Your Rights and Options

The Rental Dilemma for Parents

Childproofing a rental home brings challenges that homeowners don't face. Can you drill holes in the wall for a stair gate? Can you mount window locks without permission? And what if your landlord refuses? In the Netherlands, over 40 percent of all households rent their home, which means this is a real concern for many parents. The good news is that Dutch rental law actually gives parents surprisingly much room to make their home child-safe, even without explicit permission from the landlord. The fear of losing the deposit or getting into trouble with the landlord holds many renters back from taking necessary safety measures, but in most cases that fear is unfounded. In this article we explain the legal framework, give concrete examples of what is and is not allowed, and offer practical tips for communicating with your landlord.

Dutch Rental Law: Article 7:215 BW

Article 7:215 of the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek) governs tenant modifications. The law distinguishes between changes that can be undone without damage at the end of the lease (easily reversible changes) and changes that are permanent or cause damage. For easily reversible changes, you generally do not need permission from your landlord. This includes things like painting walls (as long as you repaint in the original color before moving), hanging curtains, or placing furniture. For non-reversible changes, you need written permission from the landlord, unless it concerns changes necessary for the normal use of the property. Child safety modifications may arguably fall under normal use for a family home, though this has not been extensively tested in court. The key is communication: most landlords are reasonable when you explain that the modifications are necessary for your child's safety and that you will restore the property to its original condition when you leave. Always request permission in writing (email is fine) and keep the landlord's written approval as documentation.

The Landlord Conversation: How to Approach It

Approaching your landlord about childproofing modifications is best done proactively and professionally. Do not ask for permission after you have already drilled; ask before. Write a clear email explaining what you want to modify, why (child safety), how (specific products and methods), and what you will do when you move out (restore to original condition). Include photos or links to the products. For example: We would like to install a pressure-fitted stair gate at the top of the stairs for our child's safety. This gate requires no drilling and leaves no marks. We will remove it when we move out. This approach works for most modifications. For changes that do require drilling, offer to have the holes professionally filled and repainted when you leave. Many landlords appreciate the transparency and will happily grant permission, especially for safety measures. If your landlord refuses unreasonably, you can petition the Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal) for permission to make the changes, though this should be a last resort. In practice, most landlords understand that families need to make their homes safe for children.

No Permission Needed: Small Changes

• •Stair gates with screw mounting: holes in the door frame or wall are easily filled with wood filler when you leave.
• •Window safety locks and window restrictor limiters: screw holes in the frame fall under minor changes.
• •Cabinet locks, drawer blockers, and magnetic locks: attached with screws or double-sided tape, easily removable.
• •Outlet covers and cable management: requires no modification to the property itself.
• •Furniture anchoring straps (anti-tip) in the wall: essential for safety and easily repaired when you leave.

Permission Required: Major Changes

Some child safety measures go beyond minor changes and require written permission from the landlord. These are modifications that significantly alter the structure, layout, or appearance of the property and cannot be easily or cheaply undone. Think of installing an extra stair rail on the other side of the stairs, replacing existing windows with windows with built-in child safety features, installing a permanent stair gate that is cemented into the wall, or modifying the electrical wiring for built-in outlet protection. In practice, these situations come up less often than you might think, because most child safety products are specifically designed to be mounted without permanent modifications. If you are unsure whether a modification is considered minor or major, it is wise to ask permission anyway. Most landlords grant this without issue, especially when it concerns child safety.

Permission Required: Examples

• •Installing an extra stair rail on the other side of the stairs (structural wall mounting required).
• •Replacing windows with models featuring built-in child safety locks or extra latches.
• •Installing permanent fences or partition walls to separate spaces (for example, enclosing an open staircase).
• •Modifications to the electrical installation, such as replacing outlets with models featuring built-in protection.

Communicating with Your Landlord

Although you do not need permission for most child safety measures, it is often wise to inform your landlord anyway. This prevents surprises during an inspection and builds goodwill. A short, professional email is sufficient. Mention that you are expecting or have a baby, which specific modifications you want to make, and that you will neatly restore everything when you leave. Reference article 7:215 BW to show you know your rights. In practice, the vast majority of landlords respond positively to requests for child safety modifications. Many landlords appreciate being informed and see the modifications as an improvement to the property. If your landlord unexpectedly refuses, you can submit a request to the Huurcommissie for authorization to make the changes. The Huurcommissie then assesses whether the refusal is reasonable, and in the case of child safety measures, authorization will almost always be granted. This is a free procedure that you can start online.

Your Deposit: Know Your Rights

Dutch law states that a landlord may only deduct from your deposit for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Small holes from picture hooks, light discoloration from furniture placement, and minor scuff marks are all considered normal wear and tear and cannot be deducted. However, larger holes from stair gate mounts, damage from adhesive products improperly removed, or structural modifications can be charged. The key is documentation: photograph the entire property when you move in and when you move out. Note any existing damage in the inspection report (opnamestaat) when you sign the lease. When you move out, properly remove all childproofing products, fill any holes with appropriate filler, and repaint touched-up areas if needed. If you did have permission for modifications, keep the written approval as evidence. If your landlord makes unreasonable deposit deductions, you can dispute them through the Huurcommissie. Many municipalities also have free legal advice desks (juridisch loket) that can help with rental disputes.

Conclusion: Safe Home, Happy Landlord

Renting a home should never prevent you from properly childproofing for your family's safety. Dutch law provides reasonable protection for tenants making necessary modifications, and the market now offers excellent damage-free alternatives for nearly every safety product. Start by communicating openly with your landlord, use damage-free products where possible, document everything, and restore the property when you leave. The BabyProof app indicates which products in each room checklist are rental-friendly with a special marker, making it easy to find solutions that keep both your baby and your deposit safe.