Rolling WWS-maximum in Zoetermeer: cumulative effects over multiple years

In Zoetermeer, a rapidly growing municipality in the Randstad with much new construction and rental housing around the Stadshart and Oosterheem, the WWS-maximum does not apply in isolation per year, but rolls over cumulatively. Landlords in Zoetermeer may not skip the maximum in one year to rent double later, as laid down in Article 7:901 BW. The total increase over multiple years may never exceed the compound maximum. Example: an increase of 2% in 2023 and 3.4% in 2024 amounts to approximately 5.5% cumulation. Does a new rent increase exceed this in your Zoetermeer property? Challenge it immediately! The RVO calculates this via the rent index formula, while the Huurcommissie tool is handy for the free sector in neighbourhoods such as Driemanspolder or Seghwaert. For housing associations such as Vidomes or De Goede Woning in Zoetermeer, the DAB-limit also applies. Tenants often report 'catch-up' increases after vacancy or renovations; these are invalid without judicial review via the district court in Zoetermeer. Always demand transparent calculations from your landlord. In case of exceedance, you can demand retroactive rent reduction plus damages. Keep a detailed rent history and compare annually with the national index – especially relevant in Zoetermeer due to the high demand for affordable rental housing. This way, you protect yourself against creeping price increases and maintain housing security in this dynamic municipality.