New Rental Laws

A recent announcement confirmed that a proposal introduced by the previous government has been approved and has taken effect on Monday, July 1, 2024.

This new regulation will categorize apartments using a points-based system to determine their rental value. For most properties, this will set a cap on rent prices. While tenants may welcome this change, it presents a mixed blessing for property owners, who will lose the ability to raise rents as they previously could.

The final rental value of an apartment will be based on several key factors:

Each of these characteristics will be documented, evaluated, and made public. Detailed information about each room and feature will be listed on the Huurcommissie website, where tenants can access a points table. Additionally, landlords are legally required to inform tenants about the apartment’s points score.

Over time, this system is expected to lower the average rental cost compared to current rates. To stay competitive, landlords may need to adjust their pricing, potentially leading to a general decrease in rental prices.

If the apartment scores below 143 points, the monthly rent must be adjusted accordingly.
If the apartment scores above 143 points and the contract is less than six months old, tenants can request a rent reduction.

If a landlord refuses to adjust the rent based on the points score, tenants can contact the Huurcommissie for assistance.
Tenants can also report landlords who do not comply with this new law, ensuring it is enforced and respected.

There will be significant changes to lease durations. Contracts will now have to be permanent, eliminating the previous maximum term of two years.
This change aims to reduce landlords’ ability to frequently renegotiate leases with exorbitant fees for new tenants, and to provide tenants with greater housing security.
While the cost of rent may still increase annually, it must remain within the limits of the maximum price discussed above.
Landlords will still retain the right to reclaim their property if needed.

Also for the rent of rooms, on the Huurcommissie website will be published the tables for the scores.
The size of the room and the common areas will be taken in account. In principle, shared apartments follow the rules that refer to social housing and therefore the price must be adapted as such.
In addition the rooms must be rented with individual contract.
Remember that when you are offered a (sub)rent without the possibility of registration it is an illegal practice and to pay the consequences ( and fines) will be directly you.

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