The Role of the Huurcommissie in Renovation Disputes in Westland

In Westland, the largest greenhouse horticulture municipality in the Netherlands with districts such as Naaldwijk, Monster and Kwintsheul, the Huurcommissie plays a crucial role in complex-wide renovations of rental housing in horticultural businesses and social housing. Tenants can unilaterally file an objection against proposed rent increases or cost allocations in large-scale renovations of greenhouses and homes. The commission examines whether the renovation meets the definition of 'complex-wide' and whether the financing respects the 70% landlord contribution, taking into account local challenges such as energy efficiency in the greenhouse horticulture sector. In recent cases, such as ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:XYZ concerning a renovation in 's-Gravenzande, a plan was rejected because the cost estimate was insufficiently substantiated and the landlord failed to comply with the information obligation regarding asbestos removal. Tenants must provide evidence of inadequate information provision by the landlord, often via the Huurderslijn Westland. The procedure is low-threshold and free of charge, with a decision period of a maximum of three months. If approved, the landlord may proceed, but with possible adjustments to the plan. Tenants have the right to be heard and to rebuttal. After a binding advice, appeal can be lodged with the district court in The Hague, which safeguards fair procedures and protects against arbitrariness in this region. (218 words)