In Zoetermeer, a dynamic growth centre in the Randstad with much new construction and social rental housing, in addition to the income-dependent rent increase, the regular increase based on inflation (CPI) plus 1% also applies for housing associations such as De Goede Woning. For 2024, the maximum in the free sector is 5.4%, but in Zoetermeer's social rental segments, where about 30% of the homes fall, housing associations adhere to strict limits. Landlords in Zoetermeer may not simply combine both systems; the income-dependent increase applies exclusively to household incomes above €47,699 for housing associations.
The inflation adjustment must be announced before 1 May and follows the statutory maxima from the Rent Price Ceiling Regulation, with extra attention to local pressure on the housing market due to commuter traffic to The Hague and Rotterdam. Tenants in Zoetermeer can challenge both types of increases via the Rent Tribunal, which recently handled several cases in the region. Document all correspondence carefully, especially for rent allowance applications via the municipality of Zoetermeer, where the application procedure is low-threshold via the Stadserf.
The Housing Authority XL supervises excesses, while the municipality of Zoetermeer protects tenants against excessive increases through its Housing agenda. These dual systems balance the income of landlords with tenant protection in a city where rental prices are under pressure due to population growth, but annual monitoring remains essential for Zoetermeer tenants.