📘 FAQ – Annual Rent Increase
This FAQ explains how the annual rent increase works and answers the most common questions we receive. Our aim is to provide clear and transparent information.
❓ What is an annual rent increase?
An annual rent increase is a periodic adjustment of the basic (net) rent of your home. It is applied to:
keep up with inflation;
cover rising costs such as maintenance, management, and taxes;
comply with legal requirements and contractual agreements.
The rent increase is a standard, legally regulated process and is not directly linked to individual complaints or maintenance issues.
❓ Who decides on the rent increase?
The rent increase is determined by the owner of the residential building.
To Be At acts as the property manager and implements the rent increase on behalf of the owner, in accordance with:
applicable laws and regulations;
the indexation clause in your tenancy agreement.
The decision to apply a rent increase is therefore not made by To Be At, but by the owner.
❓ Which rental sector does my home fall under?
The rules for rent increases depend on the rental sector:
🟢 Social Rent (regulated)
Rent below the liberalisation threshold;
Annual maximum increase set by the Dutch government;
In some cases income-dependent.
🟡 Mid-Range Rent
Regulated since 1 July 2024 under the Affordable Rent Act;
Maximum rent increase: CAO wage development + 1%;
Applies to homes within a defined points range.
🔵 Private Sector (liberalised)
Rent above the liberalisation threshold at the start of the contract;
Rent increase based on the tenancy agreement;
Temporary statutory maximum: inflation (CPI) + 1%.
❓ What determines my rent increase?
Your rent increase is based on two sources:
1️⃣ Your tenancy agreement
This may specify, for example:
CPI (inflation);
CPI plus a surcharge;
a fixed percentage.
2️⃣ Legislation (mandatory law)
The law sets a maximum increase to protect tenants.
⚖️ Which one applies?
👉 Always the lowest of the two.
Example:
Contract: CPI + 5%
Legal maximum: 6.1%
👉 The applicable increase is 6.1%, or lower if CPI is lower.
❓ When does the rent increase take effect?
In most cases, the rent increase takes effect on 1 July each year.
Depending on your tenancy agreement, a different date may apply (for example, the contract start date). The exact date is always stated in the rent increase letter.
❓ Why did I receive the rent increase notice well in advance?
By law, the landlord must:
notify tenants at least two months in advance;
clearly state:
the new rent amount;
the effective date;
how the increase has been calculated.
❓ Why is my rent increased while there are maintenance issues?
This is a common question.
Rent increases and maintenance issues are legally separate processes:
rent increases follow the law and your contract;
maintenance obligations concern the condition of the property.
A maintenance issue (for example, a malfunctioning lift) does not automatically prevent a rent increase.
What can you do if there are serious defects?
Report the issue to the property manager;
If necessary, contact the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie);
In some cases, a temporary rent reduction can be requested.
❓ How was my specific rent increase calculated?
Your rent increase is calculated based on:
your tenancy agreement;
the rental sector your home falls under;
the legal maximum for the current year.
In all cases, the lowest permitted percentage is applied.
❓ I don’t agree with the rent increase. What can I do?
If you have questions about the calculation, we are happy to explain it.
If you believe that:
an incorrect percentage was applied;
the notice period was not respected;
the increase does not comply with the law;
you may submit an objection. In certain situations, you can also contact the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie).
❓ Are service charges or parking spaces also increased?
The annual rent increase applies only to the basic rent;
Service charges are settled separately based on actual costs;
Parking spaces and additional units are assessed separately according to the contract.
🎯 Summary
The rent increase is an annual, legally regulated process;
The owner determines the increase; To Be At implements it;
Law and contract jointly set the maximum;
The lowest applicable percentage always applies;
Maintenance issues do not automatically stop a rent increase;
Clear information helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes.
📩 Still have questions after reading this FAQ?
Please feel free to contact the Tenant Ambassador team for your location. They will be happy to assist you with a personal explanation.