Exceeding WWS-maximum in Zoetermeer: what now?
Do you live in Zoetermeer and is your rent increase higher than the WWS-maximum (Housing Valuation and Subsidies Act)? Then you can challenge this legally at the District Court of The Hague, the court of appeal for Zoetermeer. The WWS-maximum is the statutory limit for annual rent increases. If your landlord exceeds this, the increase may be unlawful. In this article for tenants in Zoetermeer: what the WWS-maximum is, how to check if your increase is correct and what to do in case of exceedance. Seek free advice from the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
What is the WWS-maximum for Zoetermeer?
The WWS-maximum determines the maximum annual rent increase under the Housing Valuation and Subsidies Act (WWS). This act protects tenants in Zoetermeer and throughout the Netherlands against excessive increases.
Annually, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) sets the percentage, based on the rent allowance norm and rent index. For 2024, the WWS-maximum is 3.4% for private sector homes outside the Rent Tribunal. Social housing in Zoetermeer often has stricter limits via housing associations.
Important for Zoetermeer: WWS primarily applies to private sector. For social housing (such as with associations in Zoetermeer), the Rent Tribunal decides on reasonableness.
Statutory basis in Zoetermeer
Core acts:
- Article 7:900 CC: General rent increase rules.
- WWS Act: Maximum percentage for private sector in Zoetermeer.
- Housing Valuation Decree: Exact WWS percentages and conditions.
For social housing in Zoetermeer: the Rent Tribunal reviews increases. Private sector? Request a rent assessment. In disputes: District Court of The Hague or start at Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
How does the WWS-maximum work for tenants in Zoetermeer?
The maximum applies to regular annual increases. Your landlord may not exceed the WWS percentage, except for improvements or justified costs. In Zoetermeer, tenants often check this via the Juridisch Loket.
Examples WWS-maximum 2024 in Zoetermeer
| Current rent | WWS-maximum 2024 | Max. new rent | Proposed increase | Allowed in Zoetermeer? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €1,200.00 | 3.4% | €1,240.80 | €1,300.00 | No (challenge at District Court of The Hague) |
| €900.00 | 3.4% | €930.60 | €950.00 | Yes (within limit) |
| €1,500.00 | 3.4% | €1,551.00 | €1,600.00 | No (check with Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer) |
Tip for Zoetermeer: In case of exceedance, the increase is null and void. File an objection!
Step-by-step plan in case of exceeding WWS-maximum in Zoetermeer
Rent increase too high? Follow these steps:
- Check in writing: Ask landlord for explanation, rent index and substantiation.
- Consult Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer: Free tailored advice for your situation.
- Send objection: Write a formal letter stating that the increase exceeds the WWS-maximum (art. 7:900 CC).
- Start proceedings at District Court of The Hague: The court of appeal for Zoetermeer. The Juridisch Loket assists with the writ of summons.
- Request rent assessment: For private sector, if the rent itself seems too high.
Zoetermeer-specific: Local tenants report success at District Court of The Hague. Contact Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer for immediate help.