The Affordable Rent Act explained

What is the Affordable Rent Act?

The Affordable Rent Act came into force on 1 July 2024. Its core is that the points system, the housing valuation system (WWS), which previously applied mainly to social housing, has been extended to the mid-market segment of the free sector. For those homes a maximum starting rent now applies that matches the number of points, so the quality of the home.

In addition, the act strengthens tenants' position: landlords are required to provide a points count when signing a new rental contract, and municipalities supervise and can enforce. The aim is to make rents more affordable for middle incomes.

Who does the act apply to?

The scheme targets regulated rental and the mid-market segment above it, up to a certain number of points. For homes with very many points (the true top segment) the rent remains free.

What matters is the timing of your contract: the act applies in principle to new rental contracts from 1 July 2024 onwards. For contracts before that date the old rules generally continue to apply. Because the exact thresholds are indexed annually, always check the current amounts via the official sources.

• •Applies to regulated rental and the mid-market segment, up to a certain number of points.
• •In principle to new contracts from 1 July 2024.
• •Older contracts usually still fall under the earlier rules.
• •Thresholds are indexed annually, so check the current situation.

What does this mean for students and first-time renters?

For students and first-time renters who rent in the mid-market segment, the act can work out favourably: a room, studio or apartment that is too expensive according to the points system may have a lower maximum rent. Self-contained student units and many mid-market homes fall under the scheme.

Note, though: the act does not make homes less scarce. You won't find a home faster, but you do have a stronger position when it comes to a fair rent. Speed and a complete profile remain decisive in securing a home at all.

How do you check whether your rent is correct?

When signing a new contract, ask your landlord for the points count; that is mandatory. If you want to check it yourself, use the Huurcommissie's rent check for an indication of the maximum rent based on floor area, facilities and energy label.

If that suggests you pay too much, you can have your rent assessed by the Huurcommissie. For new contracts there is often a time limit within which you can have the starting rent assessed, so don't wait too long and consult the current rules.