Challenging Rent Increases in Rijswijk: Legal Limits

In Rijswijk, a dynamic municipality near The Hague with many rental properties in both the social and private sectors, a rent increase can cause tension between tenants and landlords. According to the Dutch Rental Act (Huurwet), a landlord may only increase the rent annually by a percentage set by the government, often based on inflation. For 2024, this maximum is 5.3% for private sector properties in Rijswijk, while the regulated sector is subject to stricter limits enforced by the Rent Assessment Committee (Huurcommissie). If the proposed increase exceeds this limit, you can lodge an objection. Send a registered letter with your arguments to the landlord, such as Woonbron or other local housing associations active in Rijswijk-ZH, within two months of receipt. If there is no response, you can turn to the Rent Assessment Committee for a binding decision. Note the liberalisation threshold of €808.06 (2024) for housing association properties, which is relevant for many flats in neighbourhoods such as Innenpolis or Plaspoelpolder. Gather evidence such as your tenancy agreement, WOZ assessment (property valuation notice), and previous correspondence. In cases of imminent financial hardship, you may request the subdistrict court in The Hague to suspend the increase. Landlords in Rijswijk must notify tenants of the increase in writing, providing a clear calculation and granting tenants the right to inspect the property valuation. The municipality of Rijswijk also offers advice on tenants' rights via its website. Effectively assert your position, avoid unnecessary costs, and take advantage of local initiatives such as the Neighbourhood Housing Team (Wijkteam Wonen). Always check the latest legislation, as limits are adjusted annually.