Small landlords can apply to the Subsidy Scheme for the Sustainability and Maintenance of Rental Properties (SVOH) to fund sustainability improvements to their rental properties. This scheme comes into effect on 1 April 2022.
Compensation for the rent freeze
The rent freeze in the regulated sector has reduced the scope for funding measures to make homes more sustainable. Larger landlords are supported in this by the Scheme for the Reduction of Landlord Tax for Sustainability Measures (RVV-V). And following the abolition of the landlord levy, as provided for in the Coalition Agreement, these landlords will have sufficient capacity to invest in their properties. Small-scale landlords do not benefit (or benefit too little) from the reduction in the landlord levy. That is why, for them, the SVOH set.
Small landlords
The scheme is open to two groups of landlords.
- Landlords who let properties in the rent-controlled sector below the liberalisation threshold (in 2022: €763.47). Landlords who let more than 100 regulated properties are not eligible. Eligible landlords may submit an application for up to 50 properties.
- Landlords who let properties where the initial rent was below the liberalisation threshold, but where the rent is now above that threshold.
Eligible activities
Applications for the grant can be made for three types of activities:
- energy-saving measures;
- maintenance measures;
- energy advice.
The grant is only awarded to landlords who carry out at least two energy-saving or maintenance measures.
The energy-saving measures specifically concern (please check the regulations for the specific technical requirements):
- cavity wall insulation;
- external wall insulation
- roof insulation, loft or attic insulation
- ground or floor insulation;
- HR++ glass, triple glazing combined with new insulated window frames or insulated front and rear doors;
- the initial installation of a ventilation system with CO₂ control or heat recovery (WTW) with an efficiency of at least 90%.
The maintenance specifically concerns:
- the purchase and installation of a new external frame for a door or window;
- replacing or installing a ventilation unit.
The energy advice This concerns an advisory report drawn up by an EPA adviser.
Solar water heaters and heat pumps are not eligible for subsidies. For these, you can apply for the ISDE scheme.
Grant amount
For each measure, the scheme specifies a subsidy amount per square metre. The maximum subsidy per dwelling is €6,000. A landlord may receive a total of up to €400,000 in subsidies.