02 Living (Housing, Energy and Standards) Flashcards
What are the types of housing (Soorten Woningen)?
Social housing (Sociale Huurwoning) - Rent is lower but income limits, managed by housing corporations (woningcorporaties).
Private Rental (Particuliere Huurwoning) - More expensive, rented from private landlords.
Buying a House (Koopwoning) - Requires a mortgage (hypotheek) and financial stability.
What is usually in a rental contract (Huurcontracten)?
- Rent amount, deposit, notice period and responsibilities. A deposit (borg) is usually one or two months rent. Tenants must pay rent on time and cannot be evicted without legal reason.
How do you request energy?
- Energy Suppliers (Energieaanbieders Kiezen)
- You choose your own energy provider for electricity and gas. Popular suppliers are Eneco, Vattenfall, Essent.
If you move into a new house, you must register with an energy supplier yourself!
How do you request water supply (waterlevering)?
It’s provided by regional water companies. You receive a bill every few months for water usage.
How do you request internet, tv, and phone?
Internet, tv and phone are provided by companies such as KPN, Ziggo, TMobile. Most people compare providers online before choosing a contract.
How do you deal with Municipal Taxes? (Gemeentelijke belastingen)
You must pay local taxes for waste collection, water, and property tax (if you own a home).
What if you disagree with your municipal or water bill?
You can object (bezwaar maken) and ask for a review. For the Gementee, submit an objection (bezwaar maken) to the gementee within 6 weeks after receiving the bill, then explain why. If they reject your objection you can appeal to a judge.
For the water bill, if it’s too high check the meter readings (watermeterstanden), and the usage (verbruik). If you disagree tell them about the error and they will adjust the bill. If they refuse file a formal complaint.
What are the dutch home standards for house maintenance?
Major repairs (broken heating system) are usually landlords responsibility, small repairs (leaking tap) are the tenants responsibility.
What are the garden and balcony standards?
If you have a garden, must maintain it. Balconies should be safe and clean, some apartments have strict rules about hanging laundry outside.
What are the different categories for garbage collection?
- General waste (restafval) - Black bin
- Organic waste (GFT) - Green bin
- Paper (Papier) - Blue bin
- Plastic - Orange bag
- Glass - No household bin, separate glass container.
What are the noise rules in the netherlands? (Overlast en geluidshinder)
Making too much noise after 10pm can lead to complaints. If a neighbor is making too much noise, talk to them first before calling the police.
What is Huurtoeslag
Housing allowance provided by belastingdienst. Only when renting.
