VvE

The VvE is an association made up of the owners of all the apartments in a building that is divided into apartments. Together, they manage and maintain the shared parts of the building. 

Becoming a member of a VvE 

If you buy an apartment in the Netherlands, you automatically become a member of a VvE. The VvE takes care of the maintenance of shared parts of the buidling, such as the roof, exterior walls and hallway of the building. This is required by law. 

Decisions, costs and maintenance 

The members of a VvE make decisions together by voting. Although decisions are made by majority vote, all residents must be taken into consideration. All owners contribute to the maintenance of the building. The VvE makes a plan and budgets for repairs and cleaning. In some cases the VvE saves money for major maintenance, such as painting or replacing the roof. These savings are called the reserve fund. 

Active VvE 

Sometimes a VvE does not do any maintenance. It is then said to be inactive, or "sleeping". In that case, you can take action to reactivate the VvE. This is important for the value and safety of the building. As a homeowner, you can become a member of Vereniging Eigen Huis. This is an association that provides advice to homeowners and VvEs.