De Eerste Kamer

As the tenants’ association in the Hague of student housing corporation DUWO, we look after the interests of the 4000+ tenants. When DUWO determines its policy, we have influence in their decision. De Eerste Kamer has the right of advice on a large number of subjects and even the right of consent on the service costs package, which enables us to influence the decision-making process. The rights and obligations of the tenants’ organisation are defined in the Consultation Between Tenants and Landlords Act (in Dutch known as the WOHV or ‘Overlegwet’). This stipulates that every tenants’ organisation has the right to give advice, the right to information and the right to consent.

In order to promote the interests of The Hague’s tenants as effectively as possible, De Eerste Kamer is active at both central (policy-making) and local (mainly practical) level. At the central level, we discuss and consult on DUWO’s policy. Policies such as new construction projects, but also topical issues such as internationalization and sustainability. We do this in cooperation with our fellow tenant organisations from Leiden, Delft, Amstelveen and Amsterdam, in order to assist each other with knowledge and advice. Problems that arise in The Hague, in many cases also occur in the other cities. 

At the local level, we sit down with the DUWO managing director of the Hague and team leaders Rental and Management of DUWO The Hague, the Municipality of The Hague and various (student) interest groups. In addition, we support student care takers and residents’ committees and help individual tenants if they experience problems with DUWO. In all matters above, the tenant’s interests come first!

If DUWO wishes to implement a change in its policy and/or management, it is obliged to ask De Eerste Kamer for advice. A request for advice will state in detail which changes DUWO wishes to implement and why they consider this necessary. For each request, De Eerste Kamer assesses whether we have enough knowledge to write the advice ourselves, or whether we can seek the help of a professional. We respond to DUWO’s request for advice with a letter in which we give positive or negative advice on the proposed changes. By officially responding to the request, DUWO is obliged to respond to our comments. Incidentally, DUWO may also go ahead with its plans in the event of a negative advice provided there is only a right of advice.

Topics that are covered:
• The rents and the annual rent increase;
• the policy of placement;
• DUWO’s services;
• DUWO’s customer service;
• the management and security of DUWO’s premises;
• DUWO’s sustainability policy.