Not all tenants in Zoetermeer are subject to income-dependent rent increases. Important exceptions apply to new-build homes in neighbourhoods such as Zoetermeer-Noord or Rokkeveen (first two years after completion), temporary contracts shorter than two years, and rent prices below the liberalisation threshold (€808.06 in 2024) in the regulated sector. In Zoetermeer, where housing associations such as Vidomes and HBC manage many social rental homes, the increase can be moderated or fully waived in cases of income reduction, retirement or illness via the Rent Tribunal.
In the event of divorce in a Zoetermeer rental property, only the income of the principal tenant is taken into account. Expats with foreign income, often living in modern apartments near the station, can avoid the scheme provided this is proven with documents. During the corona crisis (2020-2022), national prohibitions on increases applied, also in Zoetermeer. Landlords may not increase rent in cases of ongoing disputes at the local district court or in the event of payment arrears. Specifically for Zoetermeer: check your situation via the Rent Price Check on huurcommissie.nl or contact Woonpunt Zoetermeer for free advice. In case of uncertainty: engage a subsidised tenancy law lawyer via the Juridisch Loket in Zoetermeer. These rules protect tenants in this growing city against unfair increases and promote transparency in the local housing market.