Exceptions to the 70% Financing Obligation for Renovations in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, where block-wide renovations often take place in iconic neighbourhoods such as the Jordaan or Oud-Zuid, the 70% rule under Article 7:230a of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) has various exceptions that landlords can utilise. Deviation is possible if tenants voluntarily consent to a different cost distribution via a majority decision. For compulsory renovations due to monument status – common among the 9,000 national monuments in the city – or strict government regulations imposed by the Municipality of Amsterdam, such as energy performance requirements for canal houses, the 70% threshold does not always apply. Tenants in social housing managed by organisations such as Ymere or De Key must be vigilant against improper use, such as splitting renovations into phases to circumvent the rule. The Council of State and the District Court of Amsterdam have ruled that related works, for example in large-scale sustainability projects in the Bijlmer, must be regarded as a single complex. As a tenant, you can lodge an objection with the Huurcommissie within two months of becoming aware of the plans. In cases of abuse, you can demand rent reduction or compensation for damages. Additional protection applies to social housing associations due to subsidy conditions imposed by the municipality. Consult a specialised Amsterdam tenancy law attorney for tailored advice, especially for WoningNet properties. (212 words)