Rent Increase CPI Limit in The Hague: What You Need to Know
The rent increase CPI limit restricts how much your landlord in The Hague may increase your rent annually. Discover the rules based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), your rights as a tenant and local resources such as the District Court The Hague.
What does the CPI limit mean for tenants in The Hague?
The CPI limit is a national law that regulates the maximum rent increase based on inflation, published by the Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Landlords may not increase the rent by more than the CPI rise from the previous year plus 1 percentage point. In the Den Haag region, with high rental prices, this is crucial for both social and private sector tenants.
Exceptions apply to:
- Private sector homes without housing benefit
- Commercial spaces
- Short-term leases (<1 year)
- Fixed rents with housing associations
Since 2023, there is a temporary cap of maximum 3.5% to protect tenants in The Hague and surrounding areas against inflation peaks.
Legal basis: Articles and local application
The rules are set out in the Rent Increase for Residential Tenancies Act (WHW) and Maximum Rent Increase Act (WMHH):
- Art. 7:139 DCC: General rent increase conditions.
- Art. 7:140 DCC: Limit CPI +1%, temporarily adjusted since 2023.
- Decree on Maximum Rent Increase (BMHH): Annual percentage.
Tip for The Hague: In case of violation, you can go to the District Court The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60 for summary proceedings.
Practical example in The Hague
Suppose: your rent in The Hague-Scheveningen is €1,300 per month. At 5% CPI +1% that would be 6%, but due to the temporary rule max. 3.5%: new rent €1,300 + €45.50 = €1,345.50. Higher demands are invalid.
Landlord obligations
Landlords must:
- Give at least 1 month written notice (art. 7:139 DCC).
- Use official CPI figures.
- Stay within the limit.
Content of rent increase letter
Must contain: new price, CPI basis, effective date, legal reference.
Dear tenant,
We are increasing your rent as of 1 January 2025 from €1,300 to €1,345.50 based on CPI and art. 7:140 DCC.
What to do in case of excessive increase in The Hague?
Step 1: Object in writing within 1 month.
Step 2: Contact Juridisch Loket The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10 for free advice.
Step 3: If no solution: proceedings at District Court The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60.
Important: Contract clauses above the limit are void.