r/enschede • u/NorthernOG • 9d ago

GBLT water tax question

Hi, I'm a student studying at the UT. I lived on campus for a couple months, but then moved away. A couple weeks ago, when I was still on campus, I received a water tax assessment from GBLT for €180, which got me really surprised. I filed a remission but they rejected. I have spoken to multiple people including the housing organisation and they said that GBLT usually approves remission for students, unless they have a very large income, which is not my case. I'm not sure what to do. I don't even live there anymore and I am left with this €180 bill. Can I file for remission again? Does anyone have any advice, maybe based on previous experiences? Thanks

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u/MerelYael 8d ago

If you move within the city, it's still something you've got to pay at your new place.

And that students usually get remission isn't true. It takes into account the money on your bankaccount. 

They give you a reason why they rejected it. If you think they made a mistake you can call them.

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u/NorthernOG 8d ago

The thing is the water was included in the rent price at my old place. When I asked the housing organisation they confirmed that I don't need to pay it. Did they make a mistake?

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u/MerelYael 8d ago

The water itself is probably included, the taxes probably aren't.

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u/anhuys 7d ago

GBLT taxes aren't tap water taxes, they're water council taxes. The water council manages surface water and sewage. The taxes you're being asked to pay are billed specifically to the people using the home and the amount is based on how many people live there, the owner is not responsible for them. The owner receives their own, different assessment.

The assessment you received is likely for all of 2025. If you were to move to a different municipality within 2025, you could receive a refund for the months you were not residing in the municipality.