Historical Increases in the Liberalisation Threshold in Rijswijk

The rent liberalisation threshold has been raised multiple times since 1990 to reduce the social housing sector in Rijswijk, particularly in neighbourhoods such as Innen and Remmerden. It started at €600 (1990), rose to €712.50 (2013), €752.33 (2021) and €808.06 (2024). These adjustments, introduced by cabinets such as Rutte-II and III, respond to acute housing shortages in Rijswijk, where housing associations like Rijswijk Wonen are under pressure due to long waiting lists for social rent. Objective: create more mid-range rental housing in the municipality, relieve housing associations for low incomes and broaden the mix of rental prices. Political debate in the Rijswijk council revolves around gentrification; critics fear displacement of middle incomes from neighbourhoods like Sion and the city centre due to rising rents. Legally enshrined in the Housing Act and annually indexed with inflation plus a correction factor. Between 2015-2020 the threshold remained stable at €711, but the Affordable Rent Act (2021) caused a significant jump. Consequence: approximately 12% of rental properties in Rijswijk were liberalised, especially in the Randstad position near The Hague, impacting 1,500 addresses according to local Rent Tribunal data. Sitting tenants with long-term contracts from the 'pre-liberalisation' period retain the old rules via transitional law, crucial for Rijswijk families. Landlords must respect the threshold for new contracts. Future: possible further increase in 2025 due to nitrogen rules around Rijswijk green projects and climate adaptation in the municipality. Sources: Staatscourant, Rent Tribunal reports and Rijswijk Housing Market Monitor provide detailed tables. This insight supports strategic rent price determination for local landlords and residents. (248 words)