Dijkgraaf. Photo Joris Schaap As of 1 January 2023, tenants of Idealis housing will have to pay considerably more in service costs. Wageningen’s largest student housing agency calls it a ‘considerable drain’ on students’ financial situation. The energy costs will increase by an average of 127 per cent, which equals a 71 euro per month increase for the student per month.
This sum depends on the type of room, building, energy consumption and other factors and may therefore fluctuate per individual case. A student editor of Resource, for example, will have to pay 389 euros per month instead of the current 302 for their room in Dijkgraaf.
All tenants have been informed about their new fee, says Idealis. Director Bart van As: ‘We find ourselves in an extremely complex situation, so we have invited tenant organisation SFO to join the conversation from the get-go. They have seen the different offers energy suppliers made. Thus, we strive for maximum transparency and collaboration. This is why the SFO shows understanding, notwithstanding the unpleasantness of the situation.’
Lobbying for support
Idealis tenants are currently barred from alleviating measures such as the price cap, energy compensation funds and the one-off 1300 euro remuneration for low-income households. ‘We are lobbying for increased compensation options for students’, says Van As. ‘We join forces with SFO at a municipal level, and at a national level, we work with Kences, the umbrella organisation of student housing agencies in the Netherlands. That gives us a direct link to the Ministry of the Interior. We feel that students should also have a right to compensation in these uncertain times.’
Students in serious financial difficulties can contact the Wageningen municipality start point. Idealis calls on tenants who encounter payment issues resulting from the price increase to reach out so that Idealis can help think of tailored solutions. ‘Temporary payment plans, for example. As of September, students will receive a basic grant, which will hopefully offer some alleviation.’
