In Zoetermeer, a growing city in the South Holland region with many rental properties in both social housing and private sectors, the income-dependent rent increase is based on your joint rental income according to the Tax Authorities. Landlords use income from two years prior (e.g., 2022 for increases in 2024). The formula is: maximum increase = rent price × (income-dependent percentage × income index). For 2024 in the private sector, 5.3% applies for incomes above €47,699, with lower percentages for lower incomes. Note Zoetermeer specifics: many tenants in new-build complexes such as in the Stadshart fall under the private sector with a rent price limit of €808.06.
Step 1: Request your income statement via Mijn Belastingdienst. Step 2: Check if your Zoetermeer property falls under the scheme – consult the municipal website for local rent prices and sector classification. Step 3: Compare the proposed increase with the statutory maxima; if exceeded, you must file an objection with the Rent Tribunal in Utrecht, with local support via the Zoetermeer Housing Desk. Important: only net rent counts, excluding service charges as in many Zoetermeer flats. Landlords must submit proposals before 1 May. In case of income reduction due to job loss in the region, you can apply for remission via the municipality. This scheme protects middle incomes in Zoetermeer, but be alert to errors in income data, especially for expats in the Oosterheem neighbourhood. Contact the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Centre for free advice.