Subsidies and Tax Benefits for Landlords in Renovation Projects in Utrecht

In Utrecht, landlords can benefit from ISDE subsidies for insulation and HR++ glass, or SEEH for solar water heaters under the 70% scheme for complex-wide renovations in neighbourhoods such as Kanaleneiland or Overvecht. The Municipality of Utrecht encourages this through the Utrecht Housing Construction Programme, with extra attention for energy-neutral homes along the Merwedekanaalzone. The Rent Increase Act limits pass-through to 70%, but tax depreciation via EIA significantly reduces the net burden. Tenants in Utrecht social housing must check if subsidies exceed the 70%, which leads to rent reduction claims at the Huurcommissie. RVO.nl handles applications; Utrecht housing associations such as Portaal and Bo-Ex receive priority via Woningborg and local covenants. Tax benefits via MIA for sustainable measures, such as facade insulation in historic buildings around the city centre, reduce corporate income tax. Tenants can demand insight into subsidy receipts via Wob requests or the Utrecht Loket Wonen. Recent changes in the Ventilation Act (2024) link subsidies to ventilation upgrades, mandatory in Utrecht new-build projects. The Municipality of Utrecht offers additional subsidies for ventilation in older apartment buildings. Abuse, such as double claiming in Utrecht renovation projects, leads to clawback and fines by the Rijksinspectie. (212 words)