Woonconcept Housing Association calculates the maximum allowable rent increase for tenants. Residents of Koedijkslanden in Meppel are on their hind legs, partly because many of the neighborhood's energy labels are incorrect. “We actually spent extra money to heat it.”
At Adriaen van Ostadestraat in the Koedijkslanden district, Anja Gelling was surprised to see the email from Woonconcept announcing a 5.3 percent rent increase as of July 1. Her rent continues to increase by €42 per month. “I've lived here since March, but these houses are so cold. You're really spending extra money on heating here.”
In objection
Crystallization of objects to increase. Main reason: “The investigation into energy labels is still ongoing.” As reported, a few years ago, very favorable energy labels were widely issued for rental properties in the Koedijkslanden area.
Woonconcept is therefore now examining brands in Meppel, Hoogeveen and Steenwijk extensively. “Soon, my brand will be too favorable, and I'm paying too much rent,” says Gilling.
That means there are more renters, according to a neighborhood tour. “The order is wrong,” say Esther Weithar and Glenda van Overshout in Vincent van Goghlan. “It's ridiculous that this arrangement is wrong,” says Glenda Van Overshot. “I think they should first get things right before they start raising rents.”
Mark Rubin, like other neighbors, plans to object. He will soon pay an additional fifty euros. “I would object because of the nomenclature. I don't know if I have a chance, but I thought it would be good if they didn't ask for the maximum rent increase, under the circumstances.”
The rent increase comes in addition to the increased heating costs incurred by tenants in older and highly insulated homes. For Diane Smit from Pieter de Hoochstraat, the rent increase of €50 a month has hit her home hard: “I've just received a letter from Essent that I have to pay an additional €1,000.”
His neighbor Willem Dannenberg is now also preparing for the interception operation. In 2022, he left his boss and received a transition payment. “And that made my income look very high that year. My rent increase now depends on this. Sixty euros! I would have called then.”
Increase for all tenants
The government sets a maximum rent increase per year for socially rented properties, explains a Woonconcept spokeswoman. “The rent can then be adjusted from July 1. This year the percentage is higher than what we are used to.”
“Almost all of our tenants will receive the same rent increase. Residents in the Koedijkslanden area, where the accuracy of their home's energy label is verified, will receive a rent increase as well. We do this because all residents, regardless of their energy rating, receive On this increase in rent.
Drunk story
Woonconcept wants to make many homes more sustainable, especially those that are poorly insulated. “We also want to make sure there are enough affordable homes for everyone and provide good services to all our residents. That is why we have to raise rents. The rents we receive are our main source of income.”
Not all residents in the Koedgkslanden area object, partly because for some the increase is reduced by the rent subsidy. But one Van Goghlan cannot reach it with his mind. “Drunken story. Where do they get the courage?”
Additional financial problems
At Woonconcept, they realize that some tenants face financial difficulties. This rent increase may cause (additional) problems. “That's why we are there for them and provide assistance when necessary. This year we also have rent reduction options for low-income residents. Residents can check if they qualify on our website or call us,” the spokeswoman said.
