Corridor debts

Sometimes (fellow) tenants do not pay corridor debts they have acquired. It is for that reason that the Organisation for Tenants (SFO) and Idealis wish to take this opportunity to give a few tips on the prevention of debts and on the settlement of debts that have already occurred. However, we would like to make clear that financial problems of the corridors have to be solved by the tenants themselves and are strictly speaking, not the responsibility of Idealis.

TIPS TO PREVENT CORRIDOR DEBTS
  1. Statement

    2. It is important that arrangements are made with each individual tenant as to the payment of the monthly costs. These arrange-ments can be made orally, but a better way is to have every tenant sign a statement. The statement can describe which common provisions the person concerned takes part in and what the costs for these provisions are on a monthly basis.
  2. Deposit

    3. Another way to prevent the occurrence of debts is to introduce a (for example monthly) deposit in the corridor account by each tenant.
  3. Refund of cleaning costs

    4. Another way to settle debts is to use the refund of cleaning costs if the tenant involved receives cleaning restitution. Though there are differences in the amounts that are refunded to the representative per building, it can amount to € 15 per person per month. The participation rules state that representatives have a right to use the refund to settle debts.
  4. Interest

    5. Another prevention measure is to charge interest on debts that are acquired.
TIPS FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF DEBTS
  1. Admission of guilt and/or way of payment

    2. Once there is a corridor debt, it is advisable to inform the tenant of this through a written statement. It is recommended not to wait too long with this because a smaller debt is more likely to be paid quickly than a large debt. In the written statement the person concerned declares that the debt will be paid within a certain period (possibly in instalments). The state-ment must contain the amount of the debt, the date, the signature of the tenant and the name and number of the corridor account. Also it must be stated that the full amount can be claimed immediately if payment is not received within the set period. As soon as the full payment is received the representative can indicate this by signing the statement.
  2. Exclusion

    3. When a fellow tenant does not stick to his or her promise to pay acquired debts, the corridor can decide to exclude this person from common provisions paid for by the corridor account.
IN GENERAL

If the above-mentioned measures are not sufficient, the corridor representative can always contact the Department of Housing Services or the SFO for advice. We have an example of a debt settlement letter that can be used and we can give you general information on calling in a debt-collection agency or starting a civil suit against someone. However, we would like to point out that calling in a debt-collection agency is only effective if there is a written statement concerning the debt and / or way of payment. Above-mentioned measures may sound hard and businesslike but in many cases they will prevent the occurrence of debts and additional corridor problems.