The Kelderluik Ruling
The Kelderluik ruling is a crucial Supreme Court decision from 1968 that governs liability for defective buildings in the Netherlands, including in Utrecht. A passerby fell through an open cellar hatch and sustained serious injuries. The Supreme Court held the owner liable under strict liability, without proof of fault. This forms the cornerstone for personal injury claims in Utrecht involving trips or falls, essential for victims seeking compensation from owners or the Municipality of Utrecht.
What is the Kelderluik Ruling?
The Kelderluik ruling, Supreme Court 5 November 1968 (NJ 1969/10), concerns an accident in Amsterdam where a 14-year-old fell through an open cellar hatch. The shopkeeper had opened the hatch for deliveries without barriers or warnings, resulting in a broken leg. The Supreme Court ruled that the hatch constituted a defect in the building's setup, creating an abnormal risk to passersby – a principle that applies perfectly to streets and properties in Utrecht.
This ruling established strict liability for defective buildings. Instead of investigating fault (tort), it focuses on objective risk. Victims in Utrecht can thus more easily claim compensation for accidents such as slipping on icy Utrecht sidewalks. It ties into topics like slipping and falling, where pedestrians often fall victim to poor maintenance.
Core principle: a building is defective if it lacks expected qualities, leading to damage. This includes cellar hatches, stairs, railings, and Utrecht sidewalks.
Legal Basis
The Kelderluik ruling is codified in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 6, Title 3, Section 5, particularly Article 6:174 DCC: "The possessor of a building or structure is liable for damage to third parties caused by a defect therein." This is pure strict liability: no negligence required.
Article 6:175 DCC defines a defect as a deviation from reasonable expectations during normal use. Think of open hatches without signs, slippery floors, or loose railings in Utrecht apartment buildings. Possessors (owners/tenants) are responsible, except in cases of force majeure or victim's own fault (art. 6:101 DCC). In Utrecht cases, the District Court of Utrecht applies this, often alongside art. 6:162 DCC for negligence. Rulings like the Schilderarrest (Supreme Court 1994) expand it, but the Kelderluik ruling remains the guiding principle for real estate.
Practical Examples
In Utrecht personal injury cases, the Kelderluik ruling is ubiquitous. Suppose you trip over a defective manhole cover on an Oudegracht sidewalk. The Municipality of Utrecht, as possessor, is liable under art. 6:174 DCC. Claim medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering – without proving negligence.
Or: a resident in a Utrecht apartment slips on a wet stair without anti-slip measures. If the owners' association fails to maintain it, the ruling applies. Courts assess NEN standards (NEN 3215). In a 2023 case at the District Court of Utrecht, a victim received €28,000 after falling due to a defective balcony railing.
Utrecht entrepreneurs: secure cellar hatches during deliveries with barriers and signs, or risk claims as in the ruling.
Rights and Obligations
As a victim in Utrecht, you are entitled to full compensation:
- Medical costs: hospital and therapy.
- Lost income: missed wages.
- Pain and suffering: €1,000–€50,000 for suffering.
- Other: assistance and travel costs.
Possessors must maintain and repair (art. 6:174(2) DCC). Limitation period: 5 years (art. 3:310 DCC). Report to police, take photos, and contact Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht for free advice.
Comparison with Other Liability Grounds
| Type of Liability | Basis | Proof Required | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strict Liability (Kelderluik) | Art. 6:174 DCC | Defect in setup | Fall through open hatch |
| Tort | Art. 6:162 DCC | Fault/negligence | No warning |
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.