Rent Increase Points System in Zoetermeer: How the System Works
In Zoetermeer, a landlord may not arbitrarily increase the rent price for a **rent increase**. For rental properties in the **private sector**, the **points system** applies. This determines the maximum increase based on the **rent index** and the **age of the property**. Discover how this works, your rights, and where you can go in Zoetermeer for assistance, such as at the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
What Does the Points System Entail?
The **points system** regulates rent increases in the **private sector** in the Netherlands, including Zoetermeer. It is laid down in the **Private Sector Rent Increases Act (Wet huurverhogingen vrije sector - WHVS)** and the **Rent Act**, preventing excessive increases. The landlord calculates points based on the **rent index** (monthly inflation indicator) and the **construction age of the property**. Older buildings in Zoetermeer receive fewer points, thus lower increases.
Note: Only for the **private sector**. Social housing in Zoetermeer follows different rules with **rent allowance** and housing association indexation.
Legal Basis for Zoetermeer
The system is based on:
- Private Sector Rent Increases Act (WHVS): Rules for private sector increases.
- Rent Act (art. 7:270-7:278): Procedure and points calculation.
- Private Sector Rent Increases Decree (BHV): Points per index and age.
The **rent index** comes from the CBS. In case of disputes, you can go to the District Court of The Hague (district) in Zoetermeer or start at the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
Points Calculation for Your Property
Points depend on:
- Rent index: CBS publication for rent development.
- Property age: Protection for older houses in Zoetermeer.
Calculation: Rent index converted to points, corrected for age. For example, property >20 years: lower points.
Example: For a 2% index increase and 10-year-old property: not 2%, but max. 1.6% due to age factor.
Points per Age Category in Zoetermeer
Overview of maximum increase (based on BHV):
| Age of property | Points per year | Max. increase (at +2% index) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 years | 100% | 2% (full) |
| 5–10 years | 80% | 1.6% |
| 10–20 years | 60% | 1.2% |
| >20 years | 40% | 0.8% |
In Zoetermeer, with many older neighborhoods, tenants benefit from lower maxima. Check your rental agreement and index via CBS.
What to Do in Case of Excessive Increase in Zoetermeer?
If the landlord refuses correction? Contact Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer for free advice. In case of escalation: District Court of The Hague. You must object within 4 months.