Income-Dependent Rent Increase in The Hague: your local rights
In The Hague, for social rented housing, there is often an **income-dependent rent increase**, whereby your rent price is adjusted to your **gross income** in addition to the property value. This system helps maintain affordable rents, but raises questions. Discover the Hague rules, what you can do in case of disagreement, and where to go at Rechtbank Den Haag, Prins Clauslaan 60 or Juridisch Loket Den Haag, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
Why income-dependent rent in The Hague?
The Hague applies this system to many **social rented housing** units from housing associations such as Haag Wonen or Staedion. Your rent adjusts to your income: higher income leads to higher rent, lower income to reduction. Annual checks ensure up-to-date adjustments, with a focus on affordability in the region.
Legal basis in The Hague
Important laws and local rules:
- Housing Act: Regulates rent increases for housing associations in The Hague.
- Rent Allowance Act: Determines allowance for income-dependent rents.
- Local rent policy of Hague housing associations: Specific formulas for IA rent.
- Hague rent mirror: Basis for property values in the city.
Housing associations use the Hague rent index as a starting point, adjusted to your income.
How does The Hague calculate your rent increase?
Steps in the region:
- Property base: Price via Hague rent mirror.
- Income adjustment: Multiplied by your gross income versus Hague average.
- Review: Annually via Tax Authority data.
Example formula: Rent = Base × (Your income / Hague average). Above average? Higher rent.
Examples from The Hague
Example 1: Rising income
You rent a 3-room apartment (base €650). Income rises from €35,000 to €45,000 (Hague average €40,000). New rent: €650 × (45/40) = €731. Annual increase €81.
Example 2: Falling income
After job loss, income falls to €30,000. Rent: €650 × (30/40) = €488. Reduction of €162 per month.
What if you disagree in The Hague?
Step 1: File an objection with your landlord within 6 weeks.
Step 2: If rejected: To the Rent Tribunal.
Step 3: Judicial procedure at Rechtbank Den Haag, Prins Clauslaan 60.
Free advice? Go to Juridisch Loket Den Haag, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
Extra tips for The Hague
- Check your rent annually via Mijn Belastingdienst.
- Apply for rent allowance if your income is low.
- Hague housing associations publish IA policy online.