Sustainability of Buildings for Max Rentals in Rotterdam: Future-proof Real Estate with Renewable Partners

At Renewable Partners, we supported Max Rentals, a renowned property manager in Rotterdam, in making their property portfolio more sustainable where necessary. With our comprehensive advisory reports, we made their clients' properties more sustainable, increased their value, and prepared them for the future, while helping them comply with the requirements of the Housing Valuation System (WWS). This project highlights our expertise in providing solutions for property managers and their clients, with a focus on energy efficiency, rental value enhancement, and compliance with the Affordable Rent Act.

The challenge: Sustainability and WWS compliance for Max Rentals' customers

Max Rentals manages a diverse portfolio of rental properties in Rotterdam, ranging from pre-war apartments to more modern buildings. Many of their clients, both private landlords and investors, faced the challenge of making their properties more sustainable and complying with the stricter rules of the Affordable Rent Act (which came into effect on July 1, 2024). This act caps rents for mid-range rental properties (144-186 WWS points) and places greater emphasis on energy labels within the WWS, with energy-efficient properties earning more points and poor labels (E, F, G) receiving point deductions.

Many properties in the portfolio had low energy ratings (often E or F), resulting in lower WWS scores and limited rental prices. Max Rentals sought a partner who could help their customers with:

• Improving energy labels to increase WWS points.
• Maximizing rental value within the private sector
• Ensuring compliance with the mandatory WWS points system for new rental contracts.
• Offering cost-effective sustainability solutions with a strong return on investment (ROI).

Our task was to provide targeted advice that would future-proof Max Rentals' clients' portfolios, while relieving them of the burden of complex WWS regulations.

Our approach: Targeted sustainability and WWS optimization

We began with a thorough analysis of the properties in Max Rentals' portfolio, using the NTA 8800 standards for energy label determination and the WWS guidelines. For properties with low energy labels, we identified the most cost-effective sustainability measures that would improve both energy performance and WWS scores. Our approach included:

1. PV panels: Where possible, we recommended installing solar panels (440WP, All-Black) on flat or suitable sloping roofs to generate renewable energy and improve the energy label.
2. Facade insulation: For buildings with high heat loss, we recommended interior insulation with high-quality materials (e.g., Eurothane G, Rc≥3.5) to reduce energy consumption.
3. Decentralized heat recovery ventilation: We proposed the installation of CO2-controlled heat recovery units to optimize ventilation and increase living comfort, which contributes to higher WWS points.

For properties that already had a reasonable energy label (e.g., C or higher), we focused on WWS optimization without unnecessary investments, for example by advising on small qualitative improvements such as luxury kitchen or bathroom components (e.g., thermostatic taps or extra cupboard space), which earn extra points. We made use of subsidies such as the Sustainable Energy Investment Subsidy (ISDE) and the Rental Property Sustainability Subsidy (SVOH) to reduce net investments.

Implementation: Complete peace of mind for Max Rentals

We took care of everything for Max Rentals and their customers by guiding them through the process from analysis to implementation:

• Detailed WWS reports: For each property, we provided a comprehensive report with a WWS score, an analysis of the current energy label, sustainability recommendations, and a cost-benefit analysis. These reports met the mandatory documentation requirements for new leases.
• Subsidy management: We provided support in applying for ISDE and SVOH subsidies, minimizing investment costs for customers.
• Coordination of implementation: In collaboration with local contractors in Rotterdam, we ensured efficient implementation of the recommended measures, with minimal disruption to tenants.
• Energy label registration: We collected evidence (photos, quotes, invoices, and proof of payment) to register improved energy labels without additional inspections, in accordance with government guidelines.

Our approach was flexible: for properties where sustainability measures were unnecessary or unprofitable, we focused exclusively on WWS optimization and compliance, ensuring that Max Rentals' customers could always charge the highest possible rent within the regulations.

Results: A valuable, future-proof portfolio

Our advisory reports have significantly improved Max Rentals' customer portfolio:

• Sustainability where necessary: Buildings with low energy labels were upgraded to higher labels (often A or B), resulting in improved energy performance and WWS scores. This led to higher permitted rents and lower energy costs for tenants.
• Increased value: The improvements increased the rental value and market value of the properties, giving Max Rentals' customers a stronger position in the Rotterdam rental market.
• Future-proofing: All properties now comply with the requirements of the Affordable Rent Act, including the mandatory WWS points system for new leases. This protects customers against legal risks, such as rent reductions by the Rent Assessment Committee.
• Sustainability: The sustainability measures resulted in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, enabling Max Rentals to contribute to a more sustainable housing market in Rotterdam.
• Financial benefits: Subsidies and targeted investments enabled customers to achieve a strong ROI, while the increase in value of their properties further strengthened their portfolios.

Our reports provided Max Rentals and their customers with clear insight into the possibilities, costs, and returns, enabling them to make informed decisions about sustainability and WWS optimization.

The added value of Renewable Partners for Max Rentals

Our collaboration with Max Rentals demonstrates how we support property managers and their clients:

• WWS expertise: We provided accurate point scoring and advice to maximize rents within the mid-rent limit, with full compliance.
• Targeted sustainability: We only recommended measures where necessary, with a focus on cost efficiency and high impact on energy labels and WWS scores.
• Complete peace of mind: From analysis to subsidy applications and implementation, we took care of the entire process so that Max Rentals could focus on management and customer relations.
• Future-proof solutions: Our reports made the portfolio compliant with current regulations and ready for future requirements, such as stricter energy standards.

What can we do for your portfolio?

The support provided to Max Rentals in Rotterdam demonstrates how Renewable Partners assists property managers in making their buildings more sustainable and optimizing them within the WWS. Whether you are a property manager or a private landlord, we offer strategic advice and practical support to make your real estate future-proof. Our services include:

• Portfolio analysis: Insight into sustainability opportunities and WWS potential.
• WWS point scoring: Accurate calculations and reports for compliance and rent optimization.
• Sustainability advice: Customized solutions for energy efficiency and value enhancement.
• Subsidy guidance and project management: Full support from advice to implementation.

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