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Rent Price Liberalisation Threshold Zoetermeer: what does this mean?

What is the rent price liberalisation threshold in Zoetermeer? Discover the current thresholds (€879.66 for independent dwellings), the difference between social rent and private sector, and what this means for your rent increase.

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Rent Price Liberalisation Threshold: what does this mean for Zoetermeer?

The rent price liberalisation threshold is an important threshold in Dutch tenancy law that determines whether your dwelling in Zoetermeer falls under rent regulation or is in the private sector. Since the increase in 2021, more dwellings in Zoetermeer no longer fall under social rent rules. Discover how this works and what it means for your rent price.

What does the rent price liberalisation threshold entail?

The rent price liberalisation threshold separates social rent dwellings from the private sector. If the rent price in Zoetermeer is below this threshold, rules apply such as the points system (see our article on the points system), limited rent increases and protection against excessive price increases. Above the threshold, the landlord may set the rent price freely.

Legal basis

The rent price liberalisation threshold is regulated in:

  • Housing Allowance Act (article 1, paragraph 2, sub a): sets the threshold for social rent.
  • Maximum Rent Increase Act: limits rent increases for regulated rent dwellings.
  • Housing Act: classifies rent dwellings into categories such as social rent and private sector.
In case of disputes, you can go to the District Court of The Hague (district Zoetermeer) or the Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer.

Current threshold values (2024) in Zoetermeer

The threshold has been increased since 2021. For 2024, the following apply in Zoetermeer:

  • € 879.66 per month for independent living spaces (source: ministerial regulation).
  • € 763.47 per month for non-independent living spaces (rooms).

Note: In Zoetermeer, the threshold may vary slightly due to local rent developments. If the rent is above these amounts, the dwelling falls into the private sector: no points system, no maximum increases and free price determination by the landlord.

How is the liberalisation threshold calculated?

Annually, the Statistics Netherlands (CBS) adjusts the threshold based on:

  • The rent price index that measures rent developments.
  • Average rent prices in the private sector, including regions such as Zoetermeer.
The exact values are published in the Bulletin of Acts and Decrees via the Housing Allowance Act.

Social rent versus private sector in Zoetermeer

Social rent Private sector
Rent below liberalisation threshold (max. €879.66 independent). Rent above it.
Max. rent increase 5.4% (2024). Free negotiation.
Housing allowance possible for low income. Limited housing allowance.
Protection via Rent Tribunal. No regulation.
Points system applies. No points system.

Impact for tenants in Zoetermeer

Check whether your dwelling is regulated by means of:

  1. Rent level: Below the threshold? Then social rent.
  2. Dwelling type: Independent or room? Different rules in Zoetermeer.
  3. Contract date: Possible transitional rules for 2024.
If in doubt: check via Rent Tribunal or Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer.

Practical examples Zoetermeer

Example 1: Social rent
You rent an apartment in Zoetermeer for €800/month. Below the threshold of €879.66, so regulated. Entitled to max. 5.4% increase and points system.

Example 2: Private sector
Rent €950/month for a dwelling in Zoetermeer-Zuid. Above the threshold: landlord determines increase freely, no Rent Tribunal review.

Current for Zoetermeer (2024): Due to the tight market, private sector rents are rising rapidly. Consult District Court of The Hague in case of conflicts or the Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer for free advice.