What Are Housing Associations?
Housing associations are non-profit organisations that focus on building, managing, and renting affordable housing. Their primary goal is to provide quality and accessible housing to people with limited income, including in Rijswijk.
Roles and Responsibilities of Housing Associations
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| New Construction | Developing social rental housing |
| Management | Ensuring maintenance and improvement of properties |
| Rental | Allocating housing to specific target groups |
| Neighbourhood Improvement | Investing in the living environment of neighbourhoods |
| Special Groups | Providing housing for the elderly, students, and status holders |
Rights of Tenants in Rijswijk
- Protection against eviction: Statutory rights that protect tenants
- Rent price limitation: Rent is determined by a points system
- Co-determination: Influence through tenants' associations
- Filing complaints: Options for internal and external complaints
- Maintenance right: Right to a well-maintained rental property
Tenants' Associations in Rijswijk
Your Influence as a Tenant
Tenants in Rijswijk can join a tenants' association. This association has rights such as consent and advice on:
- Policies regarding rent prices and increases
- Maintenance plans
- Renovation proposals
- Liveability projects
- Costs for services
Complaints about Housing Associations
In case of problems, you can contact:
- The customer service of your association
- The internal complaints committee
- The Woonbond for tenants' interests
- The Rent Tribunal in case of rent or maintenance problems
- The court in case of disputes
Supervision of Housing Associations
Associations are supervised by:
- Authority for Housing Corporations (Aw)
- Guarantee Fund for Social Housing (WSW)
- Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning
May associations make a profit?
No, as admitted institutions without profit motive, they must reinvest any surpluses in social housing.
Can I file a complaint about my association?
Yes, associations have a complaints procedure. In addition, you can contact the Authority for Housing Corporations.
Am I entitled to information about my rental property?
Yes, you can request information about your property, the rent price, and the associated points system.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting in Rijswijk
What are my tenant rights?
As a tenant, you are entitled to a safe, well-maintained property, protection against unreasonable rent increases, and the ability to object if the property is uninhabitable.
Can my rent be increased arbitrarily?
No, rent increases are subject to statutory rules. The association must inform you in writing at least two months in advance and may not exceed the permitted limit.
What happens to my deposit?
The deposit must be deposited into an account by the landlord and repaid within 30 days after the end of the tenancy period, unless damage has been identified.
How do I terminate my tenancy?
You can terminate the tenancy in accordance with the notice period in your contract, usually in writing and observing the notice period.
What to do if the property is poorly maintained?
Request in writing that the landlord carry out repairs. If this does not happen within a reasonable time, you may take action yourself and offset costs against the rent after notification.
Practical Information for Rijswijk
Court: District Court of The Hague (district)
Legal Aid: Legal Counter Rijswijk