Rent Price Control in Rijswijk - Am I Paying Too Much Rent?
Many tenants in Rijswijk pay a rent price that is higher than permitted under the housing valuation system. With a rent price check, you can verify if your rent is fair and possibly apply for a reduction via the Rent Tribunal.
When Can You Have Your Rent Price Assessed?
You can have your rent price checked if:
- The starting price of your tenancy agreement seems too high
- You think the rent does not match the housing valuation
- You want to know whether your property falls in the social or private sector
Deadlines for Assessment
| Moment of Application | Retroactive Effect |
|---|---|
| Within 6 months after start of tenancy | From start of tenancy agreement |
| After 6 months | From date of application |
Advice: Submit your application as soon as possible to maximize the benefit of retroactive effect.
Step 1: Make Your Own Estimate
Before involving the Rent Tribunal, you can do an initial check yourself:
Digital Rent Price Check
- Visit the website huurcommissie.nl
- Use the online rent price tool
- Enter the characteristics of your property
- Receive an estimate of the maximum rent price
Required Information
- Surface area of the rooms
- Energy label of the property
- WOZ value of the house
- Present facilities (such as kitchen and bathroom)
- Outdoor spaces (such as terrace or garden)
Step 2: Application to the Rent Tribunal
If the check indicates that your rent is too high:
- Fill out the form: Download the form via huurcommissie.nl
- Pay the fee: €25 court fee (refunded if upheld)
- Submit: Send it to the Rent Tribunal
- Wait for processing: This often takes several months
Step 3: Investigation and Decision
The Rent Tribunal handles your case by:
- Requesting information from your landlord
- Possibly conducting a property inspection
- Calculating the property points
- Establishing the maximum rent price
- Issuing a binding decision
Possible Outcomes
| Outcome | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Rent price too high | Rent reduction + repayment |
| Rent price correct | No adjustment |
| Private sector property | No rent price protection |
Repayment in Case of Overpayment
If you have paid too much rent:
- The rent will be reduced to the maximum
- You will receive back the overpaid amount
- If applied for within 6 months: retroactive effect from start of tenancy
- If applied for later: from date of request
Example Calculation
Suppose you pay €750 while the maximum rent is €600:
- Difference: €150 per month
- If checked after 6 months: €150 × 6 = €900 back
- New rent price: €600 per month
Private Sector: Limited Protection
For properties above the deregulation threshold:
- No check on starting price possible
- Check possible on unreasonable rent increases
- Note: the Affordable Rent Act may adjust future rules
Tips for a Successful Application
- Measure carefully: Surface areas weigh heavily in the points calculation
- Check energy label: This significantly affects the score
- Find WOZ value: Available via WOZwaardeloket.nl
- Keep documents: Tenancy agreement and payment proofs
- Be quick: Within 6 months for optimal repayment
Frequently Asked Questions in Rijswijk
Can my landlord evict me if I check the rent?
No, this is not a valid reason for termination. Your tenancy protection remains intact.
How do I know how many points my property has?
The Rent Tribunal determines this during the procedure.
Can service charges also be checked?
Yes, the Rent Tribunal can also look at service charges.
A rent that is too high costs you unnecessary money. Do you doubt the price in relation to the quality of your property in Rijswijk? Then apply for an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rent in Rijswijk
What are my rights as a tenant in Rijswijk?
As a tenant, you have the right to a safe, decent property, protection against unreasonable rent increases, and the option to object in case of uninhabitable conditions.
Can a landlord just increase the rent?
No, rent increases must comply with statutory rules. The landlord must announce this in writing at least two months in advance and may not exceed the permitted limit.
What happens to my deposit?
The deposit must be refunded by the landlord after deduction of any damage, provided this is stipulated in the contract.
For legal support, you can contact the Rijswijk Legal Advice Centre. Disputes over tenancy matters fall under the District Court of The Hague.