The Northern Times
  • News
    • All
    • Crime
    • Economics
    • Education
    • Health
    • Politics
    • Sports
    • Tech
    • Ukraine
    University of Groningen students stage sit in for social safety

    University of Groningen students stage sit in for social safety

    Construction of badger tunnel underway in Molkwerum

    Pride and passion: football in the northern Netherlands

    Police detain underage fan after FC Groningen player is punched in Eredivisie game

    Watch: The New Energy Coalition is on a mission to improve our world

    Watch: The New Energy Coalition is on a mission to improve our world

    Who are the BBB? The BoerBurgerBeweging explained

    voting_ballot

    Unofficial election results are in, and it could be a nightmare come true for ruling coalition

    Groningen filmmaker wins Noordsterren prize at IFA 2023 with “Jäger”

    Groningen filmmaker wins Noordsterren prize at IFA 2023 with “Jäger”

    The Northern Times working together with TopDutch

    The Northern Times working together with TopDutch

    E Thomassen a Theussinklaan

    Drenthe makes it official — you can’t smoke or vape at bus stops

    Trending Tags

    • Lifestyle
      • All
      • Food & Drinks
      • Nightlife
      • Shopping
      • What's happening
      Groningen welcomes Qatar 2022 with cheer and criticism

      Groningen welcomes Qatar 2022 with cheer and criticism

      The anti Zwarte Piet protest in Emmen

      Emmen: Four people still detained after anti Zwarte Piet protest

      The inside of Forum Groningen

      “Let’s Gro” opens a discussion on the future of Groningen

      What about food in student city Groningen?

      Where to get knockout fries in the northern provinces

      Ukraine Food opens in Groningen

      Ukraine Food opens in Groningen

      Buses will no longer travel through the Grote Markt in Groningen

      Buses will no longer travel through the Grote Markt in Groningen

      “Tall Ships” Race coming to Friesland this week

      “Tall Ships” Race coming to Friesland this week

      Noorderzon festival returning to Groningen in August

      Noorderzon festival returning to Groningen in August

      Plans for extensive Kardinge residential expansion revealed

      Plans for extensive Kardinge residential expansion revealed

      Trending Tags

      • Culture
        • All
        • Dutch history
        • Typical Dutch
        Luna: Leeuwarden light festival and young artists’ exhibition winding down this weekend

        Luna: Leeuwarden light festival and young artists’ exhibition winding down this weekend

        Groningen cultural center Usva

        Groningen makes international headlines for all the wrong reasons

        International Welcome Centre North

        International Welcome Centre North

        A woman.

        Groninger photographer Courtney Bonneau launches new exhibition in Lebanon

        Eurosonic Noorderslag

        Eurosonic Noorderslag

        Ending the Year with a Bang!

        Ending the Year with a Bang!

        It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

        It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

        A devastating defeat; an unexpected victory

        A devastating defeat; an unexpected victory

        Sinterklaas is Here!

        Sinterklaas is Here!

        Trending Tags

        • People
          • All
          • Expats
          • International students
          International Welcome Centre North

          International Welcome Centre North

          The cold of the North is compensated by the warmth of its people – Ocean Grazer engineer

          The cold of the North is compensated by the warmth of its people – Ocean Grazer engineer

          Watch: A workplace that sells itself – CTO on working at Ocean Grazer

          Watch: A workplace that sells itself – CTO on working at Ocean Grazer

          It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

          It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

          People protesting on a street in Groningen.

          Former Sugar Homes residents protest for return of withheld deposit

          I’m not Black; I’m African

          I’m not Black; I’m African

          A letter from the Editor – Internationals from 120 countries: Welcome to Groningen, Leeuwarden, Assen and Emmen!

          MPs call for cap on foreign student numbers in order to ensure ‘accessibility’

          Watch: I’m 100% positive about my Groningen internship – Hanze international student

          Watch: I’m 100% positive about my Groningen internship – Hanze international student

          Common cold becoming too common

          Trending Tags

          • Opportunities
            • All
            • business
            • Education
            The cold of the North is compensated by the warmth of its people – Ocean Grazer engineer

            The cold of the North is compensated by the warmth of its people – Ocean Grazer engineer

            Watch: A workplace that sells itself – CTO on working at Ocean Grazer

            Watch: A workplace that sells itself – CTO on working at Ocean Grazer

            Watch: We’re hiring internationals to help us with foreign clients – ACS Buildings CEO

            Watch: We’re hiring internationals to help us with foreign clients – ACS Buildings CEO

            Small but mighty: TECNED is looking for internationals to help it grow

            Small but mighty: TECNED is looking for internationals to help it grow

            Talk on International Growth by local founders to take place on the 21st of June

            Talk on International Growth by local founders to take place on the 21st of June

            Groningen to host its first sustainable business day

            Groningen to host its first sustainable business day

            Companies in Dutch energy sector seek next cohort of young leaders

            Companies in Dutch energy sector seek next cohort of young leaders

            Annual Beta Business Days event a success

            Annual Beta Business Days event a success

            What’s it like working in Northern Netherlands?

            Startup Visa Crew offers support to Ukrainian entrepreneurs (Переклад українською)

            Trending Tags

            • Submit A Tip/Article
            No Result
            View All Result
            • News
              • All
              • Crime
              • Economics
              • Education
              • Health
              • Politics
              • Sports
              • Tech
              • Ukraine
              University of Groningen students stage sit in for social safety

              University of Groningen students stage sit in for social safety

              Construction of badger tunnel underway in Molkwerum

              Pride and passion: football in the northern Netherlands

              Police detain underage fan after FC Groningen player is punched in Eredivisie game

              Watch: The New Energy Coalition is on a mission to improve our world

              Watch: The New Energy Coalition is on a mission to improve our world

              Who are the BBB? The BoerBurgerBeweging explained

              voting_ballot

              Unofficial election results are in, and it could be a nightmare come true for ruling coalition

              Groningen filmmaker wins Noordsterren prize at IFA 2023 with “Jäger”

              Groningen filmmaker wins Noordsterren prize at IFA 2023 with “Jäger”

              The Northern Times working together with TopDutch

              The Northern Times working together with TopDutch

              E Thomassen a Theussinklaan

              Drenthe makes it official — you can’t smoke or vape at bus stops

              Trending Tags

              • Lifestyle
                • All
                • Food & Drinks
                • Nightlife
                • Shopping
                • What's happening
                Groningen welcomes Qatar 2022 with cheer and criticism

                Groningen welcomes Qatar 2022 with cheer and criticism

                The anti Zwarte Piet protest in Emmen

                Emmen: Four people still detained after anti Zwarte Piet protest

                The inside of Forum Groningen

                “Let’s Gro” opens a discussion on the future of Groningen

                What about food in student city Groningen?

                Where to get knockout fries in the northern provinces

                Ukraine Food opens in Groningen

                Ukraine Food opens in Groningen

                Buses will no longer travel through the Grote Markt in Groningen

                Buses will no longer travel through the Grote Markt in Groningen

                “Tall Ships” Race coming to Friesland this week

                “Tall Ships” Race coming to Friesland this week

                Noorderzon festival returning to Groningen in August

                Noorderzon festival returning to Groningen in August

                Plans for extensive Kardinge residential expansion revealed

                Plans for extensive Kardinge residential expansion revealed

                Trending Tags

                • Culture
                  • All
                  • Dutch history
                  • Typical Dutch
                  Luna: Leeuwarden light festival and young artists’ exhibition winding down this weekend

                  Luna: Leeuwarden light festival and young artists’ exhibition winding down this weekend

                  Groningen cultural center Usva

                  Groningen makes international headlines for all the wrong reasons

                  International Welcome Centre North

                  International Welcome Centre North

                  A woman.

                  Groninger photographer Courtney Bonneau launches new exhibition in Lebanon

                  Eurosonic Noorderslag

                  Eurosonic Noorderslag

                  Ending the Year with a Bang!

                  Ending the Year with a Bang!

                  It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

                  It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

                  A devastating defeat; an unexpected victory

                  A devastating defeat; an unexpected victory

                  Sinterklaas is Here!

                  Sinterklaas is Here!

                  Trending Tags

                  • People
                    • All
                    • Expats
                    • International students
                    International Welcome Centre North

                    International Welcome Centre North

                    The cold of the North is compensated by the warmth of its people – Ocean Grazer engineer

                    The cold of the North is compensated by the warmth of its people – Ocean Grazer engineer

                    Watch: A workplace that sells itself – CTO on working at Ocean Grazer

                    Watch: A workplace that sells itself – CTO on working at Ocean Grazer

                    It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

                    It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

                    People protesting on a street in Groningen.

                    Former Sugar Homes residents protest for return of withheld deposit

                    I’m not Black; I’m African

                    I’m not Black; I’m African

                    A letter from the Editor – Internationals from 120 countries: Welcome to Groningen, Leeuwarden, Assen and Emmen!

                    MPs call for cap on foreign student numbers in order to ensure ‘accessibility’

                    Watch: I’m 100% positive about my Groningen internship – Hanze international student

                    Watch: I’m 100% positive about my Groningen internship – Hanze international student

                    Common cold becoming too common

                    Trending Tags

                    • Opportunities
                      • All
                      • business
                      • Education
                      The cold of the North is compensated by the warmth of its people – Ocean Grazer engineer

                      The cold of the North is compensated by the warmth of its people – Ocean Grazer engineer

                      Watch: A workplace that sells itself – CTO on working at Ocean Grazer

                      Watch: A workplace that sells itself – CTO on working at Ocean Grazer

                      Watch: We’re hiring internationals to help us with foreign clients – ACS Buildings CEO

                      Watch: We’re hiring internationals to help us with foreign clients – ACS Buildings CEO

                      Small but mighty: TECNED is looking for internationals to help it grow

                      Small but mighty: TECNED is looking for internationals to help it grow

                      Talk on International Growth by local founders to take place on the 21st of June

                      Talk on International Growth by local founders to take place on the 21st of June

                      Groningen to host its first sustainable business day

                      Groningen to host its first sustainable business day

                      Companies in Dutch energy sector seek next cohort of young leaders

                      Companies in Dutch energy sector seek next cohort of young leaders

                      Annual Beta Business Days event a success

                      Annual Beta Business Days event a success

                      What’s it like working in Northern Netherlands?

                      Startup Visa Crew offers support to Ukrainian entrepreneurs (Переклад українською)

                      Trending Tags

                      • Submit A Tip/Article
                      No Result
                      View All Result
                      The Northern Times
                      No Result
                      View All Result
                      Home People

                      Denise Zonnebeld, founder of Frently: “The law is on your side”

                      Thomas Ansell by Thomas Ansell
                      February 4, 2019
                      in People
                      0
                      Denise_Zonnebeld_Frently
                      0
                      SHARES
                      2.1k
                      VIEWS
                      Share on TwitterShare on FacebookWhatsapp

                      Since opening in 2010, Groningen-based housing law bureau Frently has been slashing unlawful rental charges for tenants. With around 1,000 clients at any given time, the agency has become so popular that they recently had to move into a bigger office on the Nieuwe Ebbingestraat.

                      Did you know that Dutch rental prices are capped? Denise Zonnebeld, now the head of Frently, didn’t when she came to Groningen as a student. “I’m originally from the East of the Netherlands, and chose to come to study here in the North. When I arrived, I found that the rental market in Groningen already had some issues – and that was 10 years ago.”

                      Having been presented with a room at the northern end of Vinkhuizen with the promise that it was “five minutes from the centre” (it’s actually closer to 15 minutes), Denise then moved around the city continuously, trying to find somewhere decent to live. After sharing a 16 meters squared room with a friend and even considering squatting, Denise finally found somewhere at the top of her budget at that time, around 300 euros per month (all inclusive).

                      “After living there for a short while, my housemates told me that we had to pay service costs, which pushed my rent way above what I could afford.” Sick of being mis-sold promises around renting, Denise scoured Dutch legal advice and found out about the Huurcommissie.

                      Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal) and Points System

                      The Rent Tribunal is an impartial organisation that can make legally binding rulings for both tenants and landlords. Whilst the tribunal exists for many different forms of tenant/landlord conflict, it often works to adjust rent to a legally-defined ceiling. This is calculated using a points system: the size of an apartment carries a certain number of points, as do outside space, how old the building is, energy efficiency, and so on (different rules apply for short stay accommodations). “Serious Faults” such as mould, broken door locks, leaky roofs or poor ventilation are also taken into account. Frently’s website has a rental checker, so you can check for yourself – for maximum accuracy, Frently advises arranging for a free visit with their team. 

                      “I first presented a suggestion of a small rent reduction to my landlord. He didn’t take it well, so I went to the Huurcommissie myself. I found out about the points system and various rulings around “Serious Faults”. After going to the Huurcommissie, and because my room didn’t have a door lock, and the living room leaked, my rent was reduced retroactively to 35 euros per month.”

                      Friends asked if Denise could provide them with the same service, and though she initially refused to accept payment, it eventually took too much of her time to work for free and study for a law degree at the same time. Eventually, one friend suggested that she take a small slice of the post-ruling rent, rather than a payment, and an idea was born.

                      Now, Frently has thousands of successful cases under its belt. It formally opened in 2010, and has a team of five people and about 1,000 pending cases at any given time. Aside from helping with bring down excessively high rent fees, the bureau can also help with wrongly-charged agency fees (bemiddelingskosten, which are illegal to charge if the realtor did not find the room for the tenant). While there are other agencies that work on a national basis, the bureau is still fairly unique in Groningen. “In the entire city, there are only a couple of housing-specialist lawyers, and they generally work on really big projects, rather than individual tenant cases.”

                      Still surprised

                      Even though she has been at it for years now, Denise can still be caught off guard by just how big a difference a Huurcommissie ruling can make. “In one case, we worked with someone living in an apartment, paying 1,600 euros per month. We immediately knew that was too much in our rent check, but we didn’t realise that there were also significant problems with the apartment. The ruling eventually brought the monthly rent down to 225 euros and even we were surprised with that result”.

                      Denise is quick to point out that cases like this (and its opposite, where one ruling only reduced the rent by 50 cents a month) are rare. Frently’s marketing material suggests that the average saving is about 75 euros per month, which can still be the difference between making it to the end of the month with some money, or not.

                      Whilst Denise and Frently have experienced some beastly landlords – “one emptied rubbish into the house and sprayed graffiti on the walls to make the tenants look as negligent as possible” –  many cases brought to Frently never make it to a court ruling. “Most landlords simplyagree with the decision made by the Huurcommissie and therefore pay back the overpaid rent when asked to do so.Tenants have rights, and they are very much protected here.”

                      Although they are based in Groningen, Frently is available to help tenants from across the Northern Netherlands. Since Denise has been living in the north, she has seen the situation improve somewhat. “Whilst quality has grown, there are still problems. The most important thing is not to be scared if you aren’t happy with where you live. The law is on your side.”

                      Frently’s office is located at Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 69, 9712 NG, Groningen. For more information, call +31 (0) 50 321 00 02, or visit www.frently.nl

                      Frently walk-in sessions at the International Welcome Center North (IWCN)

                      Since January, Frently has beeb holding walk-in sessions at the IWCN, where you can meet with a Frently advisor and ask any questions you may have about housing, rights, or rental value. A follow-up appointment can then be booked, or a ‘rent check’ can then be arranged, if needed. For more information, see the IWCN and Frently websites.

                      Thomas Ansell is the Internationalization Co-ordinator at the International Welcome Center North (IWCN). For more information about the IWCN, visit www.iwcn.nl

                      Tags: FrentlyGroningenlandlordpointsrentrent tribunalrightstenants
                      Previous Post

                      Holwerd aan Zee project receives 15 million euros from Post Code Lottery

                      Next Post

                      UMCG chairperson Jos Aartsen to retire

                      Next Post
                      UMCG chairperson Jos Aartsen to retire

                      UMCG chairperson Jos Aartsen to retire

                      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

                      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

                      The Northern Times

                      NorthernTimes.nl is an English-language news site for internationals and anyone interested in news and activities in the three northern Dutch provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe. The website provides daily coverage and summaries of local news in the north, as well as human interest stories, backgrounds and a regional events calendar. The Northern Times is an initiative of the International Welcome Center North in cooperation with Persbureau Tammeling BV, which owns and operates the website.

                      Powered by:

                      Akkoord van Groningen, Gemeente Groningen, Koninklijke Metaalunie & FME, University of Groningen, Hanzehogeschool Groningen, Samenwerking Noord, Campus Groningen, and DUO/NEC NL (Nationaal Europass Centrum Nederland). 

                      Privacy statement and disclaimer 

                      NorthernTimes.nl is an English-language news site for internationals and anyone interested in news and activities in the three northern Dutch provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe. The website provides daily coverage and summaries of local news in the north, as well as human interest stories, backgrounds and a regional events calendar. The Northern Times is an initiative of the International Welcome Center North in cooperation with Persbureau Tammeling BV, which owns and operates the website.

                      Newsletter

                      Once or twice a week, we send out a digital newsletter to our subscribers. We will not and cannot share email addresses or any other personal data provided by our subscribers with any third parties, nor will we use this information for any purposes other than providing the newsletter. 

                      Questions or comments?

                      If you have any questions concerning your privacy or comments about ways that you think we could further protect and inform you about your privacy, please let us know by contacting us at info@tammeling.nl

                      Disclaimer

                      The Northern Times reserves the right to change its privacy policy, but will inform our subscribers and readers in advance prior to implementing any such changes. These changes will be published in a timely manner on The Northern Times’ website.

                      Tags

                      Arriva (59) Art (62) Assen (186) Climate Change (52) Coronavirus (501) coronavirus regulations (49) COVID-19 (334) COVID 19 (59) culture (46) Drachten (48) Drenthe (894) earthquakes (56) Eelde (45) Emmen (160) festival (48) football (62) Friesland (966) Groningen (1933) Groningen Airport Eelde (53) Groninger Museum (50) Grote Markt (46) Hanzehogeschool (53) Heerenveen (41) Hoogeveen (49) housing (114) international students (59) jobs (65) Leeuwarden (415) Make it in the North (61) Mark Rutte (44) music (43) natural gas (58) Netherlands (71) NHL Stenden (52) NS (47) police (67) protest (60) RUG (153) Sneek (43) students (94) train (65) UMCG (112) University of Groningen (203) Wadden Sea (43) what's on (67)
                      • News
                      • Lifestyle
                      • Culture
                      • People
                      • Opportunities
                      • Submit A Tip/Article

                      © 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

                      No Result
                      View All Result
                      • Culture
                        • Dutch history
                        • Typical Dutch
                      • Lifestyle
                        • Food & Drinks
                        • Nightlife
                        • Shopping
                        • What’s happening
                      • News
                        • Economics
                        • Politics
                        • Sports
                        • Tech
                      • People
                        • Expats
                        • International students
                      • Opportunities
                        • business
                        • Education
                      • Bloom: Subscribe

                      © 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

                      Welcome Back!

                      Login to your account below

                      Forgotten Password?

                      Retrieve your password

                      Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

                      Log In

                      Add New Playlist

                      Submit a article

                      Send in an article to be published on The Northern Times.

                      Send a news tip

                      Got a story idea or want us to be aware of anything?