Recap Rental Collection seminar 2025: Focusing on financial resilience and Innovation
On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Utrecht hosted the annual Rental Collection Seminar (Studiedag Huurincasso). Specifically organized for credit managers within housing associations, this event once again provided a valuable platform to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the sector. This year, the emphasis was on strengthening the financial resilience of tenants and the smart utilization of innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). Naturally, Ultimoo was present, hosting a well-attended knowledge session featuring Richard Westenbrugge, Team Leader of Debt Prevention at housing association Woonbron.
The Urgency: 730,000 Households in Debt
During the event, the magnitude of the social challenge was made clear once again. Many Dutch households struggle with problematic debt. Recent research shows that 8.8% of households regularly find themselves unable to pay a bill. This costs Dutch society approximately €8.5 billion annually. The stress caused by debt frequently leads to mental and physical health issues, underscoring the urgent need for a human-centered approach.
Ultimoo Knowledge Session Recap: From Legal to Amicable
Our interactive knowledge session was fully booked. Together with Richard Westenbrugge (Woonbron), we demonstrated how the standard in rental collection has successfully evolved. Woonbron has made a striking shift: instead of immediately resorting to legal proceedings, they now consistently opt for an intensive amicable collection process.
The shared results impressed the audience: no less than 90% of collection cases at Woonbron are now resolved through the amicable phase. This approach not only reduces legal pressure on tenants but also results in a profitable business model where overall costs decrease. During the session, we provided a step-by-step explanation of how this process works in practice and the concrete benefits it delivers for housing associations.
Key Insights of the Day
In addition to our own session, the seminar offered a wide range of topics directly applicable to daily practice:
- The Power of AI: Extensive discussions took place on how artificial intelligence can be deployed to optimize collection processes while maintaining a personal touch.
- Early Intervention in Practice: While the theory is well-known, practical application remains challenging. Various speakers shared effective strategies for reaching tenants with payment problems at an early stage.
- Utilizing Experts by Experience: The added value of utilizing "experts by experience" (individuals who have overcome debt themselves) was highlighted, particularly as a bridge to the most vulnerable tenants.
Networking and Inspiration
The Rental Collection Seminar proved once again to be the perfect place to meet colleagues and exchange experiences. There were ample opportunities to brainstorm shared challenges and collaborate on future-proof solutions.
Couldn't Make It?
Are you interested in the collection approach we presented alongside Woonbron? An approach that is effective, human-centered, and socially responsible? We would be happy to update you on the insights from this day and how Ultimoo can help you achieve similar results.
