FAIR AND AFFORDABLE LAUNDRY COSTS AT PLAZA
We are asking Plaza to reduce the cost of washing and drying and provide full transparency about how these charges are calculated.
We, the residents of Plaza, are asking Plaza to review the current charges for the communal washing machines and dryers.
Our main concern is simple: the laundry service is too expensive in relation to the service currently provided.
Residents are paying relatively high prices while experiencing limited availability and concerns regarding the quality, cleanliness and maintenance of the machines.
We therefore believe the current charges should be reviewed and transparently justified.
Our legal basis
Dutch law contains specific rules regarding service costs charged to tenants.
Dutch Civil Code – Article 7:237 BW
Article 7:237 BW defines service costs as payments for goods and services provided in connection with the occupation of a rented property.
Dutch Civil Code – Article 7:259 BW
Article 7:259 BW requires landlords to provide tenants with a specified annual statement of service costs, including the manner in which those costs have been calculated. Tenants can also request access to the underlying books and documents relating to the service costs.
Besluit servicekosten
The Besluit servicekosten provides the framework for which goods and services may be charged as service costs.
The Huurcommissie also treats washing machines and dryers as movable goods for which a usage charge may be included in service costs. For industrial washing machines and dryers, the Huurcommissie currently applies specific rules regarding the purchase value, useful life and the maximum amount that can be charged per dwelling. (Huurcommissie)
What we are asking Plaza to provide
We therefore request a transparent breakdown of the current laundry charges, including:
* The original purchase price of each washing machine and dryer;
* The date each machine was purchased and installed;
* Whether the machines are classified as industrial washing machines/dryers under the applicable rules;
* The depreciation/useful-life period applied;
* The calculation used to determine the annual usage/depreciation charge;
* How the costs are divided between the residences/users;
* Maintenance and other relevant costs;
* Any administration or service fees;
* Any other costs included in the current charges;
* The contractual and legal basis for the charges.
We also ask Plaza to clarify whether the current charges comply with the applicable Dutch service-cost rules.
No profit on service costs
Service costs are intended to cover permitted costs associated with goods and services provided to tenants. We therefore ask Plaza to confirm that the current laundry charges do not contain an impermissible profit margin.
Our request
We are not asking Plaza to increase the service or introduce additional costs.
We are asking for the opposite:
Make the existing laundry service cheaper, fairer and more transparent.
There are approximately 50 residences sharing a limited number of washing machines and dryers. Considering the current prices together with the availability and quality of the service, we believe the current charges should be reviewed.
We therefore ask Plaza to:
• Significantly reduce the current laundry prices;
• Provide a complete and transparent breakdown of the charges;
• Explain the legal and contractual basis for the current prices;
• Confirm that the charges comply with Dutch service-cost rules; and
• Review the current charges in light of the actual service provided.
By signing this petition, I support the request for fairer, lower and more transparent laundry costs at Plaza.