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VvE explained / The basics

Self-managing or hiring a management company?

Your VvE can manage itself or outsource it. What are the pros and cons, and what should you look out for?

A VvE can manage itself, or outsource part of the work to a management company. There's no right or wrong answer. It depends on the size of your building, how much time the owners have and what is going on.

What does management include?

There are usually three kinds:

  • Administrative: member list, post, minutes, documents.
  • Financial: budget, contributions, payments, annual accounts and the reserve fund.
  • Technical: maintenance, the MJOP, quotes and contact with contractors.

What does the law say?

The law leaves the choice to the VvE. The owners' meeting has all powers that aren't given to another body (article 5:125(1) of the Dutch Civil Code, BW). The board doesn't have to be an owner: the meeting can also appoint someone from outside (article 5:131(2) BW). If the VvE hires a manager, the board stays responsible. So agree clearly on what the manager does and doesn't do.

Self-managing

Advantages

  • Lower costs.
  • Short lines and you stay in control.
  • You know the building and the neighbours.

Points to watch

  • It takes time, and the work often falls on a few people.
  • Knowledge is lost when a board member leaves.
  • You have to make sure yourself that you meet the legal rules.

Hiring a management company

Advantages

  • Less work for the owners.
  • Experience with legislation, maintenance and procedures.

Points to watch

  • It costs money, and all owners pay for it.
  • The VvE remains responsible for its decisions.
  • Record the tasks, powers and costs involved, and how the contract can be ended.

A middle way

Many VvEs choose a mix: they handle the administration and discussion themselves, and bring in an expert for technical matters, for example to draw up an MJOP.

What does it cost?

What management costs for your VvE depends on the number of apartments and which tasks you outsource. Use the VvE management cost calculator (in Dutch) to make your own estimate.

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

Get started with Buur

Buur is not live yet. Want to be the first to know when you can sign up your VvE? Join the waitlist at mijn-buur.nl. Curious what managing your VvE costs? Work it out with the VvE management cost calculator (in Dutch).

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