Complex-wide Renovation 70% Scheme in Utrecht: your rights as a tenant
The complex-wide renovation 70% scheme protects tenants in Utrecht during large-scale renovations in residential complexes. Landlords must bear at least 70% of the costs. Learn your rights and prevent unjustified rent increases.
What exactly does the 70% scheme entail for Utrecht?
This statutory provision from the Housing Allowance Act and Rent Increase Act requires landlords, in the case of renovations in residential complexes (from 10 dwellings), to pay at least 70% of the costs themselves. The remaining 30% may be passed on to tenants at most, but only through controlled rent increases. In Utrecht, this is often seen in housing association properties in neighbourhoods such as Kanaleneiland, Overvecht and Lunetten.
The scheme particularly protects against excessive costs for sustainability measures such as facade insulation, HR++ glass, heat pumps or collective solar energy installations.
Legal basis in Utrecht
Key laws:
- Article 7:230a DCC: Landlord's obligation in the case of large-scale works.
- Housing Allowance Act: Limits rent increases for allowance recipients.
- Rent Increase Act & Rent Increase Decree: Maximum 70/30 allocation.
- Housing Act: Stricter requirements for social housing in Utrecht.
The Municipality of Utrecht supervises through the Housing Department and offers tenant teams for support.
When does the scheme apply in your Utrecht complex?
Check these conditions:
1. Complex size: from 10 dwellings
In Utrecht apartment buildings or porch flats with 10+ rental dwellings, the scheme applies by default. It does not apply to small-scale properties (2-5 dwellings).
2. Large-scale renovations
Examples in Utrecht practice:
- Facade and roof insulation (often in flats from the 1960s-1970s)
- Replacement of central heating with hybrid systems
- Asbestos remediation (common in old Utrecht neighbourhoods)
- HR+++ glazing and ventilation systems
- Lift installation or fire safety improvements
3. Complex-wide renovation plan
The landlord must present a uniform plan for the entire complex. Per-dwelling works fall outside this.
4. Cost-intensive works
From approximately €5,000-€10,000 per dwelling, the scheme is activated. Request the cost estimate from your landlord.
Your rights as a Utrecht tenant
- Right of consent: If costs increase by more than 70%, a residents' meeting is mandatory.
- Rent freeze during the renovation period.
- Relocation allowance for temporary housing.
- Rent reduction for nuisance (up to 35% during works).
Practical steps in Utrecht
- Request the plan: Ask for the full renovation plan with cost allocation.
- Form a residents' platform: Organise fellow tenants.
- Rent Tribunal check: Have the rent increase reviewed.
- Seek legal assistance:
- District Court Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Utrecht Legal Aid Office, Catharijnesingel 55
- Utrecht Tenants' Union for collective representation
Utrecht housing association experiences
Housing associations such as Portaal, Mitros and Bo-Ex apply the 70% scheme for neighbourhood renovations. Residents of complexes in Tuindorp, Voordorp and Rotsoord have successfully limited rent increases via the Rent Tribunal.
Utrecht contact points
- 🏛️ District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1
- ⚖️ Utrecht Legal Aid Office: Catharijnesingel 55, (030) 276 00 00
- 🏠 Municipality of Utrecht Housing: 14 030
- 📋 Rent Tribunal Utrecht: Online rent increase review
Is your Utrecht landlord unjustly passing on renovation costs? Immediately make use of your 70% protection rights!