Historical Increases in the Liberalisation Threshold

The rent liberalisation threshold has been adjusted multiple times since 1990 to shrink the social housing sector. Started at €600 (1990), rose to €712.50 (2013), €752.33 (2021) and €808.06 (2024). These increases, introduced by cabinets such as Rutte-II and III, respond to housing shortages and pressure on housing associations. Objective: create more mid-range rental housing and relieve housing associations for low incomes. Political debate rages over gentrification; critics fear displacement of middle incomes from cities. Legally enshrined in the Housing Act and annually indexed with inflation plus a correction factor. Between 2015-2020 the threshold remained stable at €711, but the Affordable Rent Act (2021) brought a significant increase. Consequence: approximately 10% of rental dwellings were liberalised, especially in the Randstad. Tenants with long-term contracts from the 'pre-liberalisation' period sometimes retain old rules via transitional law. Landlords must respect the threshold for new contracts. Future: possible further increase in 2025 due to nitrogen and climate policy. Sources: State Gazette and Huurcommissie reports provide detailed tables. This insight aids in strategic rent determination. (202 words)