Rent Reduction After Renovation in Amsterdam: Claim Your Rights for Defects

In Amsterdam, where housing associations such as Ymere and Rochdale often carry out complex-wide renovations under the 70% scheme, tenants have the right to rent reduction if the works lead to devaluation or defects. Article 7:243 BW provides the legal basis: the court assesses the quality improvement and may adjust the rent price. In the case of insufficient energy savings, such as disappointing EPC improvements in old-build blocks along the Amsterdam ring road or in the Pijp, you can demand a reduction of up to 40% of the investment costs. The Huurcommissie calculates this using the housing valuation table, taking into account local factors such as the high Amsterdam real estate pressure. Practical examples from Amsterdam cases show success: after renovation leaks in apartment buildings in Noord or inferior insulation in the Jordaan, claims resulted in 10-25% reductions. Tenants must submit energy consumption measurements or building surveys and proceed with the Huurcommissie or court within a reasonable period. Landlords risk fines and penalty payments for non-compliance. Combine this with the Wet goed verhuurderschap and report abuses to the Amsterdamse Woonbond for extra pressure. This way, you maintain affordable rent in the city. (218 words)