Consequences of Exceeding the Income Ceiling in Zoetermeer

In Zoetermeer, exceeding the income ceiling has direct consequences for tenants of social housing, such as those from housing associations De Goede Woning or Staedion. First, you receive a letter with income statement from the housing association. Within two months, you must prove that your income remains below the ceiling of approximately €47,699 (2024). If you fail to do so, a proposal for rent increase to free sector level follows, often 30-50% higher than the social rent of on average €700 in Zoetermeer. After a year without a solution, the landlord may terminate the tenancy agreement via the subdistrict court in The Hague (art. 7:271 BW). You get a maximum of two years' deferral to move within or outside Zoetermeer. During this period, you do not build up passive tenancy rights. Local practice in Zoetermeer shows that 25% of exceeders leave within a year for more expensive rental housing in neighborhoods such as Palenstein or for owner-occupied homes in Rokkeveen. Objection is possible with the Rent Tribunal in The Hague if the housing association does not comply with local agreements from the Zoetermeer Housing Covenant. For vulnerable groups, such as those aged 65+ or families with priority via the municipality, exceptions apply via the Hardship Clause. Report your situation in time to the housing association or Zoetermeer Social Team and seek alternatives such as priority for social housing in Seghwaert or Buytenwegh. This way, you prevent escalation in this tight rental market. (248 words)