In Rijswijk, where many social housing units fall under the regulated sector, you can file an objection against a rent increase if it does not comply with the national statutory rules. The landlord, often a housing association such as Vidomes or Mozaïek Wonen which is active in Rijswijk, must announce the increase in writing with a clear specification of the amount, the effective date and the statutory basis. You have two months after receipt of this announcement to submit an objection by registered letter. Specify therein concretely why the increase is unjustified, for example due to exceeding the maximum percentage, missing inflation adjustment or deviation from the agreements in your tenancy agreement.
The independent Rent Tribunal will handle your objection and may suspend the increase temporarily or moderate it. For social housing in Rijswijk, a maximum of 2.3% excluding service charges applies in 2024, as laid down in the ministerial regulations. Collect essential evidence such as your tenancy agreement, the rent increase announcement and any correspondence with the landlord. If the landlord does not respond within the set period, you can directly start a procedure with the Rent Tribunal. In the event of a successful objection, you do not have to repay the imposed increase. The procedure costs are limited, often around €25. If you lose at the Rent Tribunal, you can still appeal to the district court in The Hague, which has jurisdiction for cases from Rijswijk. This way, you maintain control over your housing costs in this municipality, where the housing market is under pressure due to its proximity to The Hague. Always check the most recent ministerial regulations and, if desired, consult the Housing Desk of the municipality of Rijswijk for local advice.