Renovation Costs and Rent Impact in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, landlords may carry out renovations, but for 'major' works that increase the WOZ value by more than 15%, tenant consent is required under the Rotterdam Housing Ordinance and national tenancy law. Refusal may lead to termination of the tenancy with reimbursement of moving costs and access to the municipal urgency procedure for alternative housing in neighbourhoods such as Charlois or Feijenoord. Renovation costs are not passed on directly; rent increases follow via WOZ revaluation or quality improvement, with additional attention to the strict Rotterdam rules on energy performance (label A mandatory for new construction and large-scale renovation). Tenants in Rotterdam have a right of veto on unreasonable plans and can go to the Rent Committee in Rotterdam or the district court in the Rotterdam District Court for disputes. In the case of compulsory renovation, often in older complexes along the Delfshavenkade or Kralingse Zoom, rent freeze applies until completion. Document everything carefully: quotes, planning, and communication with the landlord. Tenants may submit alternative, affordable proposals, supported by local organisations such as Woonbond Rotterdam. For asbestos removal in iconic Rotterdam flats, no permission is required, but there is an information obligation under the Rotterdam Asbestos Ordinance. After renovation, the property is revalued, which may justify higher rents within the liberalisation limit, but with protection via the local Rent Team Rotterdam. This mechanism encourages quality improvement in the port city without disproportionately burdening tenants.