Rent after home improvement: what are your rights?

Questioner

We live in a rental property from the housing association and they want to change the house from label F to label B by means of energy measures. In my opinion, the rent increase proposal is rather high. We rent for 484 euros and after the work, 55 euros will be added. However, the house is poorly maintained in terms of window frames and pre-war glass and now they want us to pay for that! Isn't this rent increase on the high side? Is there a maximum amount that the housing association may charge?

Lawyer

A landlord may increase the rent after improving the home. There is no maximum amount by which the landlord may increase the rent after a home improvement. The amount will depend on what is being adjusted to the home. A home improvement is when the adjustment provides more living pleasure/comfort. For example, you should think of replacing single glazing with double glazing or installing a second toilet. The landlord may implement a rent increase for a home improvement. In your case, this means at least for the double glazing. Replacing or repairing, for example, the window frames because they are already in bad condition does not fall under a home improvement, that falls under maintenance. The landlord may not implement a rent increase for this. Incidentally, the rent may only be increased if you gave permission for the home improvement. If you do not agree with the rent increase after improving the home, you can contact the Rent Assessment Committee. The Rent Assessment Committee will then assess whether the rent increase is reasonable. The Rent Assessment Committee is an independent body. You only pay an amount of €25 to bring the matter before them. You can find more information about this on the Rent Assessment Committee website: http://www.huurcommissie.nl/onderwerpen/woningverbetering/