Since July 1, 2023, the Rental Governance Act has been effective. This law offers better tenant protection and clarifies rules for landlords about what is allowed and what is not. Municipalities have more power to address rental issues when necessary. The municipality of Utrecht is making the law known to tenants with a campaign. A key element of the campaign is information about the reporting point, where tenants or prospective tenants can (anonymously) go with questions or complaints about their landlords behavior.
Dennis de Vries, housing councilor: In Utrecht, there are about 91,000 rental homes. All tenants living here have the right to a reliable landlord, fair rent prices, and proper maintenance. The new Rental Governance Act stipulates the requirements for landlords; the law also gives us, as a municipality, more tools to enforce compliance. In Utrecht, we have a reporting point for tenants – alongside the existing Rent Team, which tenants can also use. Since not everyone is aware of the reporting point yet, we have this campaign to inform tenants about their rights and let them know that the reporting point is easily accessible.
Rental Governance Act
The law contains national regulations on security deposits, mediation costs, and service costs. It also states that rental agreements must be documented in writing, and there is a ban on intimidation and discrimination. If the rules are violated, tenants and prospective tenants can report this at the municipalitys reporting point. The municipality can then take action through an escalation process: first, the municipality can issue a warning, followed by enforcement measures and a fine.
Campaign
The campaign takes place both online and offline, including ads on social media and posters in bus shelters and on lamp posts. Councilor Dennis de Vries will also be distributing flyers at Utrecht Science Park on Monday, January 13, to inform students about the Rental Governance Act and what it means for them. De Vries: “Long ago I used to distribute flyers, so I seize any opportunity to do so! But seriously: it’s really important that tenants know they have the right to good landlordship, and that we play an important role as a municipality. Were going to campus because many students rent housing, but the campaign targets all tenants in Utrecht, as the new law applies to them all.”
For more information, visit utrecht.nl/hulpbijhuren.