Startblok is managed by its own residents! In total, about 10% of all tenants are involved in keeping the project running! Which jobs are there?

Social Management

Group managers

Per living group, two Group Managers are chosen (one status-holder and one Dutch youngster). These tenants make sure that everyone in the living group respects the house rules. But most importantly, they make sure everybody feels at home and that there is a pleasant atmosphere in the group! Group Managers receive a small monthly discount on their rent in exchange for their work.

Did you know? The Dutch version of the term Group Manager at Startblok is ‘gangmaker’, this is the Dutch word for a person that is always actively involved in a group, and makes sure the atmosphere is at its best by organizing activities and making sure everybody is having fun. That’s why we thought this would be the perfect name for this job!

Social managers

Five tenants are the Social Managers at Startblok. Their job is to take care of the entire social management. They support the Group Managers and take care of all aspects regarding hygiene, safety and liveability. Again, most important is creating social cohesion and a good atmosphere amongst tenants! Together with the general management they form the Self-management Team that arranges all daily affairs at Startblok.

General Management

Administration Manager (Beheerder huurzaken in Dutch)

The Administration Manager is responsible for the rental administration, motivation and the selection procedure of new residents. With this manager you can sign your rental agreement, make a request for subletting your place, or ask for help with getting unto our waiting list.

Maintenance Manager (Technisch beheerder in Dutch)

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for flagging and coordinating maintenance that needs to be done at Startblok. When a tenant submits a maintenace request, this is picked up by the maintenance manager. He or she then fixes the issue theirselves, or forward it to the Handyman Team or De Key. For small maintenance the Maintenance Manager asks the Handyman Team to fix it. This team is formed by tenants.

PR and communication (Beheerders PR en communicatie)

Startblok has one manager for PR & communication. They take care of all communication by email, newsletters and social media. If you get an e-mail from the self-management, it is probably from this manager. He or she is also responsible for promoting Startblok and maintaining good relations with the media and external parties, such as our neighbours.

Grounds Team

The Grounds Team makes sure the outside areas are kept clean and tidy. This also includes landscape maintenance. This team is headed by the Social Managers.

Handyman Team

The Handyman Team is headed by the Maintenance Manager. The handymen in this team do all kinds of small jobs, such as: changing lamps in common areas, replacing taps and showerheads, repairing hinges and locks and other maintenance that the renter (De Key) is responsible for.

Project Coordinator De Key

Arnold Hooiveld is the Project Coordinator from De Key and he supports and coordinates the Self-management Team. He also works together with the Municipality of Amsterdam, our good neighbours and all other partners. You can reach him by e-mail: arnold.hooiveld@lievendekey.nl.