Refusing Rent Increase in Cases of Urgency in Rijswijk

In Rijswijk, where the rental market is under pressure due to its proximity to The Hague and high demand for affordable housing, rent increases often play a role in local tenancy disputes. The tenancy law (art. 7:247 CC) limits increases to inflation plus 1% or the liberalisation threshold, which in 2024 amounts to a maximum of 5.3% for regulated rent in neighbourhoods such as Innen and Oud-Rijswijk. Tenants in Rijswijk can refuse an unreasonable increase, after which the landlord must go to the district court in The Hague. Upon refusal, the landlord may not simply terminate; a valid ground for termination such as urgent own use is required. Local housing associations such as Vidomes and Rijswijk Wonen strictly adhere to these rules, but always check via the Huurcommissie’s Rent Price Check Point. For service charges, such as in Rijswijk complexes with collective heating costs, separate agreement is required. File an objection within six weeks in case of excess to prevent indirect pressure towards termination. The Woonbond provides model letters, and local tenants’ associations in Rijswijk organise advice evenings. In case of dispute, the district court rules on repayment, with fines for landlords in cases of arbitrariness. This keeps renting in Rijswijk fair and affordable, despite the regional housing market tensions. (198 words)