Social Rent Threshold in Rijswijk: Everything You Need to Know
The social rent threshold sets the maximum rent price for homes in the social sector, ensuring affordable housing options remain available for Rijswijk residents with limited incomes. In 2024, this threshold stands at €879.66 per month (excluding service charges). Homes priced higher belong to the private sector with their own rates and conditions. This article explains what the social rent threshold means, how it works, and its impact for you as a tenant in Rijswijk, where the Municipality of Rijswijk and local housing associations play a key role in allocating homes.
Definition and Explanation of the Social Rent Threshold
The social rent threshold, often referred to as the liberalization threshold, distinguishes regulated social rent from the free market. In Rijswijk, housing associations rent homes below this threshold under strict allocation rules, targeting first-time buyers, families with average incomes, and seniors. This supports vulnerable groups in this commuter municipality near The Hague by providing suitable housing.
Each year, the ministry adjusts the threshold based on inflation and income growth. For 2024, it is €879.66, up from €808.06 in 2023. Only the base rent counts; extras like service charges or utilities do not. If the rent exceeds this limit, private sector rules apply, with different tenant rights in Rijswijk.
Legal Basis
The social rent threshold is governed by the Housing Act (Article 44) and the Affordable Housing Allocation Decree. Housing associations in Rijswijk must allocate 90% of their social homes to households with incomes up to €47,699 (2024, for singles). This suitable allocation criterion is directly linked to the rent threshold.
The Rent Act (Book 7 of the Civil Code) regulates rent prices, and the Rent Assessment Committee can intervene in cases of exceedance. For existing contracts in Rijswijk, transitional rules often keep them in the social sector, except during increases. For disputes, you can seek free advice from the Legal Aid Office in Rijswijk or formal proceedings at the District Court of Rijswijk.
How Is the Social Rent Threshold Determined?
The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) sets the social rent threshold, in consultation with the Rent Assessment Committee and Aedes. Key factors include:
- Inflation: Rising prices due to economic conditions.
- Wage growth: National increases in average incomes.
- Housing valuation: Assessment via the Housing Valuation System (WWS) based on size, amenities, and location, relevant to Rijswijk's diverse neighborhoods.
For new builds in Rijswijk, a home may score a maximum of 142 points to remain social; above that, market rates apply, influenced by local WOZ values from the Municipality of Rijswijk.
Practical Examples
Consider a 60 m² apartment in Rijswijk with a base rent of €850 per month. Falling below the €879.66 threshold, it qualifies for the social sector, with access to rent allowance and fixed-term contracts. If raised to €900, you can involve the Rent Assessment Committee or seek advice from the Legal Aid Office in Rijswijk.
For a family with two children and €45,000 income in Rijswijk, a home below the threshold is ideal. Without this system, they risk 'skewed occupancy': income too high for social housing but unaffordable in the private sector. More about skewed occupancy. In Rijswijk, many social rents hover just below the threshold, lower than in The Hague due to favorable local market conditions.
Rights and Obligations of Tenants
As a tenant in Rijswijk of a home below the social rent threshold, you benefit from:
- Rent allowance: Available from the Tax Authority if your income qualifies.
- Rent freeze or reduction: Via the Rent Assessment Committee for excessive prices; local advice through the Municipality of Rijswijk.
- Protection against termination: Indefinite contracts with limited grounds for eviction, enforceable at the District Court of Rijswijk.
Obligations include:
- Timely rent payment to avoid eviction.
- Maintaining the property and reporting damage to the housing association.
- Cooperating with income checks for allocation.
Landlords in Rijswijk must follow rent increase rules under the Rent Increase Act.
The Social Rent Threshold and Skewed Occupancy
The social rent threshold affects skewed occupancy in Rijswijk: tenants with higher incomes in affordable homes. The Municipality of Rijswijk may impose income-based increases of up to 50% extra to improve turnover. For example, a single person earning €60,000 in a €700 home could see rent rise to €900, near the threshold. More about rent increases.
Comparison: Social vs. Private Sector
| Aspect | Social Sector (Below Threshold) | Private Sector (Above Threshold) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Price | Max. €879.66 (2024) | Freely set, often €1,000+ |
| Allocation | Income-based suitable allocation | Free market, no income check |
| Rights | Rent allowance, strong protection | Less regulation, more flexible contracts |
| Increase | Limited by law | Greater freedom for landlord |
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.