Determination of Rent in Temporary Tenancy Agreements in Zoetermeer
In Zoetermeer, including its modern districts such as Rokkeveen and Seghwaert, rent control under Article 7:249 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) also applies to short-term lettings. The maximum rent is determined by the Housing Valuation System (WWS), based on points for surface area, amenities such as central heating, and energy performance. Landlords in Zoetermeer may not charge excessive amounts, particularly in popular neighbourhoods near the Stadshart.
Indexation and Adjustment in Zoetermeer
The annual rent increase is limited to the inflation rate plus 1% (Article 7:247 BW). For short-term tenancy agreements in Zoetermeer, any adjustment must be communicated in writing and in a timely manner, for example, for apartments in Buytenwegh. Tenants may lodge an objection with the Rent Assessment Committee (Huurcommissie) if the rent exceeds the WWS maximum, with local support available through the Legal Counter (Juridisch Loket) in Zoetermeer.
Practical Tips for Tenants in Zoetermeer
Use the rent check tool on huurcommissie.nl to verify whether your rent in Zoetermeer complies with local WWS values. If the rent exceeds the maximum, you may demand a rent reduction with retroactive effect for up to two years. For temporary lettings in Zoetermeer, the liberalisation threshold does not apply, so a WWS check is always required, even for flexible housing in new complexes. The Municipality of Zoetermeer provides additional information on tenants' rights via its website.
Recent rulings by the Dutch Supreme Court (Hoge Raad) emphasise that creeping rent increases through repeated short-term contracts are illegal, a common issue in growing cities such as Zoetermeer.