Complex-wide renovation 70% scheme in Rotterdam: your rights as a tenant
The complex-wide renovation 70% scheme protects tenants in Rotterdam during large-scale renovations in residential complexes. Discover how this scheme works, what your rights are and where you can go in Rotterdam for help.
What does the 70% scheme entail for Rotterdam tenants?
The complex-wide renovation 70% scheme, enshrined in the Good Landlordship Act and tenancy law provisions, requires landlords in residential complexes (from 10 dwellings) to bear at least 70% of the costs themselves during renovations. In Rotterdam, with many large complexes in neighbourhoods such as Feijenoord, Charlois and IJsselmonde, this scheme is crucial for tenant protection.
The scheme prevents landlords from passing on renovation costs in full via rent increases. It applies particularly to energy-saving measures such as facade insulation, HR++ glazing, heat pumps or asbestos remediation – common in older Rotterdam apartment buildings.
Legal basis in Rotterdam
Key laws:
- Article 7:230a DCC: Landlord's obligation in major renovations.
- Good Landlordship Act: Additional protection in tight housing markets such as Rotterdam.
- Rent Increase Percentages Decree: Limits rent increases after renovation.
- Housing Act: Strict rules for social housing tenants with housing associations such as Woonbron and Vestia.
In Rotterdam, additional rules apply via the municipal Housing Allocation Ordinance for tenants in the social sector.
When does the scheme apply in your Rotterdam complex?
1. Complex of 10+ dwellings
Applies to flats and complexes in Rotterdam-South, North and Centre. Often not applicable to smaller properties (fewer than 10 dwellings).
2. Major structural renovation
Examples typical for Rotterdam:
- Facade and roof insulation in post-war high-rise
- Replacement of gas boilers with all-electric systems
- HR++ glazing in porch flats
- Asbestos remediation in apartment buildings from the 1960s
- Lift replacement or gallery renovation
3. Complex-wide renovation plan
The landlord must have a comprehensive plan for the entire complex, not per dwelling. Standard for Rotterdam housing associations.
4. Significant costs
Renovations from €5,000-€15,000 per dwelling fall under it. Upon approval, rent may increase by a maximum of 30% of the costs.
Your rights as a Rotterdam tenant
- Right of consent: For housing associations, approval of the tenants' council is required.
- Rent freeze during renovation.
- Relocation allowance for temporary housing.
- Rent reduction for nuisance.
- No unilateral rent increase above the 70/30 split.
Help in Rotterdam
- Rechtbank Rotterdam
Wilhelminaplein 100-125, 3015 CB Rotterdam
For summary proceedings in case of unreasonable rent increases. - Juridisch Loket Rotterdam
Westblaak 180, 3011 BN Rotterdam
Free advice for low incomes (Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30). - Woonbond Rotterdam: Tenants' organisation for support.
- Municipality of Rotterdam: Rent team via Woonplank (010-4118180).
Practical example Rotterdam
In the renovation of a flat on Schorpioenstraat (Rotterdam-South), Rechtbank Rotterdam ruled that the landlord had to bear 75% of the insulation costs itself. Tenants were allowed only a limited increase.
Action plan for tenants
- Check if your complex has ≥10 dwellings
- Request the renovation plan and cost estimate
- Calculate: costs × 30% = max. rent increase
- In case of doubt: call Juridisch Loket Rotterdam
- Nuisance? Demand immediate rent reduction
Don't let yourself be fobbed off! In Rotterdam, agencies are ready to enforce your rights.