Is my rent too high? Here is how to check
How is a maximum rent determined?
Many rental homes and rooms fall under a points system, the woningwaarderingsstelsel (WWS). It assigns points based on things like floor area, facilities and energy label; the number of points sets a legal maximum rent.
If your rent is above that maximum, you may be paying too much. The rules and thresholds change periodically, so check the current situation with the Huurcommissie and the Rijksoverheid.
Check your rent yourself
The Huurcommissie offers a Huurprijscheck (rent check) that gives you an indication of the maximum rent for your home or room.
- •Gather the details: floor area, facilities, energy label and the base rent.
- •Run the Huurprijscheck at the Huurcommissie for an indication.
- •Keep your rental contract and payment proofs as supporting evidence.
Have the rent assessed
If the check suggests your rent is too high, you can ask the Huurcommissie to assess it. For new contracts there is usually a term within which you can have the starting rent assessed, so do not wait too long and check the current deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my rent lowered?
If the points system indicates a lower maximum rent than you pay, the Huurcommissie can assess and possibly lower your rent. Start with the Huurprijscheck.
Does this also apply to a room?
Yes, shared (non-self-contained) living space (rooms) also has a points system. The exact calculation differs; the Huurcommissie can help you with it.
Official sources
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Start free with alertsPuck van Dalen is editor-in-chief at KamerSnipe and writes about the Dutch rental market, tenants' rights and searching smartly for a room or apartment.