Rent and paying the rent - Duwo

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The rent amounts set by DUWO for accommodation under its management are never
higher than the maximum reasonable amount.
For most tenants, the monthly rent will consist of:
• the basic rental price: payment for the use of the accommodation and, where
applicable, gardens and communal areas.
• the service costs: payment for the provision of certain goods and services. Your rental
agreement will state which goods and services are covered by the service costs. Gas,
water, electricity and cleaning costs are likely to be included.
> Rent increase
The rent is subject to increase each year. At DUWO, the increased basic rent amount
becomes effective on 1 July. The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the
Environment (VROM) determines the maximum percentage increase. The actual
percentage increase can vary between different complexes or residences with the
price-quality ratio of a residence being the deciding factor. The rent increase will of
course never exceed the limit determined by the Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning
and the Environment. DUWO consults the body of tenants’ organisations regarding
the average rent increase prior to taking action. You will receive written notice of the
rent increase percentage that will apply to your residence at least two months before
the rent increase takes effect.
> Problems with the amount of the rent increase?
If you have an objection to the rent increase proposed by DUWO, you should inform
DUWO in writing before the increase becomes effective. Making a complaint is only
purposeful if the proposed rent amount is higher than the maximum reasonable
amount, as defined in the applicable regulations. If DUWO disagrees with your
complaint, you can request the Rent Committee to a make a judgement. Maintenance
shortcomings do not constitute sufficient grounds for a written objection. However, in
the case of severe maintenance shortcomings that have not been dealt with despite
DUWO being previously notified, you have the right to submit a rent reduction
proposal to DUWO. Should DUWO reject this proposal, you also have the right to
request a judgement from the Rent Committee.
The Rent Committee’s postal address is:
De Huurcommissie, Postbus 16495, 2500 BL Den Haag
http://www.huurcommissie.nl
> Legal fees
Legal fees will have to be paid for the majority of the cases addressed by the Rent
Committee. Legal fees amount to € 11.00 (2007 price level) and have to be paid in
advance. After the application for a Rent Committee judgement has been received,
the party who submitted the application will be sent a giro collection form. The legal
fees need to be settled within four weeks after the giro collection form was sent. If
the party submitting the application fails to pay on time, the case will not be
processed. Hence, it is important to pay the legal fees on time. Once the Rent
Committee’s judgement has been announced, the victorious party will have the legal
fees refunded. The exact prices can be found on www.huurcommissie.nl.
> What is the procedure?
After the legal fees have been received, relevant information is collected concerning
the case and an investigation may be conducted in the residence. The letter is invited
to be present at the investigation, during which the size of the residence and the
available facilities will be examined. If a rent reduction proposal by the tenant is
involved, any maintenance shortcomings will also be examined. The letter and the
tenant both receive a copy of the investigation report as well as an invitation to
attend a public hearing at the Rent Committee.