VVE Conflicts: Your Rights and Solutions

Questioner

Dear Sir/Madam, I am in conflict with my VVE and hope that you can advise me on the following. A few months ago I placed an order on the VVE portal regarding a leak in a heating cap and a missing heating cap. Without informing me that the order was being processed, someone suddenly showed up at a closed door of a heating company and found a request in my mailbox to make a new appointment. This visit that I could not answer was subsequently charged to me by the heating company. At the second appointment, a technician came by who suddenly raised a completely different problem. He said that all heating elements in the entire building had been replaced by the VVE more than a year ago, but he saw that mine had not been done. And he found it necessary to replace them immediately, because they were too old. I personally did not see the difference. In the end, not only was my own problem dealt with, but also an assignment I had made up myself. I indicated that I first wanted to know what the costs were, but I didn't have to worry about that, because the VVE had already approved the quote by email to the heating company and that they would pay the bill. After this confirmation I did not stop the order, because I was confirmed by email that everything had been settled by the VVE. The assignment was carried out in March and was only charged to me in May by sending two separate invoices. I was quite shocked by the amounts and if I had known in advance that these costs would be charged to me later, I would have cancelled this entire assignment immediately and looked for another client, because I am sure it could have been cheaper. After I received these invoices I called immediately. Then I was advised to put it on the mail. I have now sent a protest by email several times and asked for a solution. However, they do not want to acknowledge their mistake and leave me with quite high costs. => I was subsequently charged €201.31 for the first 2 appointments. => For the 3rd appointment I was subsequently charged €525.73. They think that I should pay this bill because the work falls within the deed of division and I am therefore seen as the client. However, as the client, I was never informed about the quotes by the VVE. And I think that it would have been appropriate if it had first been discussed with me that a total amount of € 704.29 would be charged to me and that I am also expected to pay this within 14 days. Up until now I have refused to pay this. However, the VVE is threatening me with a reminder and extra costs, which means I am forced to pay. Because despite my emails and protests, they refuse to respond to my email in substance. What should I do now? I am at my wits end. Can I get the money back retroactively? What are my rights? I'd love to hear from you. Yours sincerely, S.

Lawyer

Normally, the matters that have been taken into consideration are for the costs of the home or apartment owner and they should have consulted with you first. The VvE has therefore acted somewhat unlawfully and they had apparently indicated that they would pay the bill and should also do so as the client. You can request them in writing to still pay the invoices to the mechanic since you have received invoices incorrectly. If they do not want to pay, you can enforce this through the court. If you consider further help or advice necessary, you can always contact me.