Rent Cap in Den Haag: What Tenants in Den Haag Need to Know
The rent cap is the maximum basic rent amount eligible for rent allowance. Amounts above this do not qualify for government subsidy. For tenants in Den Haag with limited income, this is crucial for keeping housing costs affordable, especially in a city with rising rents in neighborhoods like the Schilderswijk or Transvaal. This article explains how the cap works, with a focus on suitable allocation and local support through the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
What is the rent cap?
This limit sets the maximum for rent allowance. It is adjusted annually based on inflation and wage growth. For 2024, it is €879.66 for singles and €1,075.36 for multi-person households. Does your rent exceed this? Then you cover the excess yourself. This keeps the allowance manageable and promotes affordable housing, which is relevant in Den Haag where housing associations like Haag Wonen offer extensive social housing.
Under suitable allocation, the cap checks if a property matches your income. Properties below the liberalisation threshold (€808.06 in 2024) fall under regulated tenancy law. In Den Haag, you can inquire with the Municipality of Den Haag about available suitable properties.
Legal basis
The rent cap is set out in the Housing Allowance Act (Wht), article 10: allowance applies only to the 'eligible' rent up to this limit. The Tax and Customs Administration/Benefits Office determines the amounts via ministerial regulations, supported by the Housing Act and Rent Allowance Decree.
The Suitable Allocation Act (since 2013) requires housing associations in Den Haag to match rental properties to income levels. The rent cap indirectly affects pricing. Violations may result in fines under article 47 of the Housing Act, enforced by the Housing Authority.
Determination and calculation of the cap
The government sets the national rent cap based on household size. The allowance calculation:
- Eligible rent: basic rent excluding service charges.
- Capped at the rent cap.
- Allowance: (cap minus your contribution) multiplied by the percentage, based on income and assets.
Example for a single tenant in Den Haag with €900 rent: allowance on max. €879.66 (2024). You pay the extra €20.34 yourself. Check your situation via the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Examples from Den Haag practice
A young family in Den Haag with two children and €35,000 gross income rents for €950. With a four-person cap of approx. €1,200 (2024), they receive allowance on the full amount, reducing it to an effective €700 net. Without the cap, the system would become unaffordable.
A single parent in a housing association property at €850: suitable for income below €44,035 (2024). Rent increases above €879.66 raise net costs. In 2023, Den Haag tenants protested at the Rent Tribunal; local advice via Juridisch Loket Den Haag helps.
Middle-income earners in the private sector (often >€1,000) benefit less. Above the liberalisation threshold, no regulation and limited allowance.
Rights and obligations
Tenant: You are entitled to clear allowance information. Report changes immediately to the Tax and Customs Administration (article 32 Wht) to avoid repayment demands. For unsuitable allocation: file a complaint with the landlord, Rent Tribunal, or District Court Den Haag. Free assistance at Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Landlord: Align prices with suitable allocation; specify basic rent. Penalties: rent freeze or fines.
- Apply for allowance via Mijn toeslagen.
- Provide income details.
- Check rent price at Rent Tribunal.
Overview of rent thresholds
Differences with other thresholds:
| Threshold | Description | Amount (2024) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent cap | Max. rent for allowance | €879.66 (1-person) / €1,075.36 (2-person) | Rent allowance calculation |
| Liberalisation threshold | Regulated vs. free sector | €808.06 | Rent price regulation |
| Quality discount threshold | Min. rent for quality | €270.97 | Allowance and regulation |
| Suitable allocation income threshold | Max. income for social rent | €44,035 (1-person) / €59,236 (2-person) | Allocation by housing associations |
These thresholds overlap in Den Haag, where the Municipality of Den Haag and housing associations strictly oversee suitable housing.
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.