Historical Increases in the Liberalisation Threshold in Zoet

The rent liberalisation threshold has been adjusted multiple times since 1990 to reduce the social housing sector in Zoetermeer, in line with the growth of this commuter city in the Randstad. Started at €600 (1990), rose to €712.50 (2013), €752.33 (2021) and €808.06 (2024). These increases, introduced by cabinets such as Rutte-II and III, respond to the housing shortage in Zoetermeer, where housing associations such as Haagwoning and Vestia are under pressure due to the influx of workers from The Hague and Rotterdam. Objective: create more mid-segment rental housing in neighbourhoods such as Seghwaert and Rokkeveense Plas, and relieve housing associations for low incomes. Political debate in the Zoetermeer council rages over gentrification; critics fear displacement of middle incomes due to rising rents near the Stadshart. Legally enshrined in the Housing Act and annually indexed with inflation plus a correction factor. Between 2015-2020 the threshold remained stable at €711, but the Affordable Rent Act (2021) brought a significant increase, causing approximately 8% of Zoetermeer rental properties to liberalise, especially in green suburban areas. Tenants with long-term contracts from the 'pre-liberalisation' period retain the old rules via transitional law, as confirmed by the Rent Tribunal in local cases. Landlords must respect the threshold for new contracts, taking into account Zoetermeer's specific performance agreements with housing associations. Future: possible further increase in 2025 due to nitrogen and climate policy, which hampers new construction in Zoetermeer. Sources: Staatscourant, Rent Tribunal reports and municipal reports provide detailed tables on local effects. This insight aids in strategic rent price determination in Zoetermeer. (248 words)