Maintenance Obligations of Housing Associations for Social Rentals in Utrecht

In Utrecht, housing associations such as Portaal, Boelens de Gruyter, and Mitros are required to maintain social rental properties in good condition, aligning with the city's ambition to ensure affordable housing. Minor repairs (up to €250) are the responsibility of the tenant, but housing associations are accountable for major maintenance, including roofs, piping, painting, and facades—critical in older neighborhoods like Kanaleneiland or Ondiep. Always report defects in writing via the housing association’s online reporting system or the Utrecht app 'Melding Openbare Ruimte' (Public Space Report) for prompt follow-up; the statutory response time is a maximum of 14 days. Use the digital portal of the Municipality of Utrecht to apply additional pressure. In cases of non-compliance, you may enforce a rent reduction through the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie), up to 100% in cases of uninhabitability. The Good Landlordship Act (Wet goed verhuurderschap) obligates Utrecht housing associations to conduct systematic maintenance, in accordance with the local Housing Construction Program, which focuses on sustainable housing. Gather evidence with photographs, inspection reports, and witness statements. This aligns with the appropriate allocation of housing in Utrecht, where defects can render a property unsuitable for priority groups such as first-time buyers and families.