Complex-wide renovation 70% scheme in The Hague: tenants' rights
The complex-wide renovation 70% scheme protects tenants in The Hague during large-scale renovations in residential complexes. Landlords must bear 70% of the costs. Learn your rights and how to claim rent reduction via the District Court The Hague.
What does the 70% scheme entail for The Hague?
This scheme from the Housing Allowance Act and Rent Increase Act requires landlords in The Hague, for renovations in complexes with at least 10 dwellings, to pay 70% of the costs themselves. The remaining 30% may possibly be passed on via rent increase, but only with strict approval. This prevents tenants from being disproportionately burdened, especially for energy-saving works such as insulation or new boilers.
In The Hague practice, this often applies to housing association dwellings in neighbourhoods such as Schilderswijk or Transvaal, where large renovation plans are common.
Legal basis in The Hague
Key laws:
- Article 7:230a DCC: Landlord's obligation for financing.
- Housing Allowance Act: Limits rent increases.
- Rent Increase Act & Rent Increase Decree: Maximum pass-through.
- Housing Act: Stricter rules for social housing in The Hague.
For disputes: District Court The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60. Free advice via Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
Conditions for application in The Hague
1. Residential complex with 10+ houses
Valid for flats or complexes in The Hague; not for single-family homes.
2. Major renovations
Examples: roof insulation, HR++ glazing, heat pumps, asbestos remediation or collective solar energy. Small jobs do not count.
3. Complex-wide plan
Must affect all dwellings, such as in The Hague renovation projects with new lifts or facade insulation.
4. Costs above threshold
Typically thousands of euros per unit; landlord bears 70%.
Your rights as a tenant in The Hague
Do you refuse the rent increase? Then the landlord may not proceed without Rent Tribunal review. In case of violation, you can go to the District Court The Hague (Prins Clauslaan 60). This often results in rent reduction or compensation.
Step-by-step plan for The Hague
- Check the renovation plan: is it complex-wide?
- Request proof of 70% landlord contribution.
- No agreement? File a complaint with the Rent Tribunal.
- Call Legal Aid Office The Hague (Lutherse Burgwal 10) for free help.
- Initiate proceedings at the District Court The Hague if necessary.
Specific to The Hague: housing associations such as Haag Wonen strictly follow these rules due to local performance agreements.