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VvE explained / The basics

Board roles in a VvE

What does a VvE board do, and how do you divide the tasks of chair, secretary and treasurer?

The board keeps the VvE running. But what exactly does the law say about the board, and which roles are common?

What does the law say?

  • The board consists of one board member, unless the articles say there are two or more (article 5:131(1) of the Dutch Civil Code, BW).
  • The owners' meeting appoints the board, from among the members or from outside. The meeting can always suspend or dismiss a board member (article 5:131(2) BW).
  • The board manages the VvE's funds and carries out the meeting's decisions, unless the articles say otherwise (article 5:131(3) BW).
  • The meeting can give the board instructions (article 5:131(4) BW).
  • Owners and users must give a board member access to their apartment when that is needed for the board's task (article 5:132 BW).

Common roles

The law doesn't name fixed positions. In practice, many boards divide the work like this:

  • Chair: keeps the overview, prepares and leads meetings. Note: by law the chair of the meeting is appointed by the meeting, unless the articles say otherwise (article 5:127(2) BW).
  • Secretary: handles post and documents, takes minutes and keeps a list of decisions.
  • Treasurer: manages the finances, prepares the budget and annual accounts, and keeps an eye on the reserve fund.

In a small VvE, one board member often does everything. That's allowed, but share the work if you can. It makes the VvE less vulnerable if someone moves or drops out.

The audit committee

Many regulations call for an audit committee (kascommissie): a few owners who are not on the board and check the past year's finances. Check your deed for what applies to your VvE.

Who represents the VvE?

If there are several board members, each of them can represent the VvE towards others, unless the articles say otherwise (article 5:131(1) BW). So agree clearly on who signs what.

Source: Dutch Civil Code Book 5, title 9 (apartment rights)

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