Rent Reduction After Exceeding WWS Maximum: Your Step-by-Step Plan

If your landlord exceeds the WWS maximum and you have already paid the higher rent, you can demand rent reduction. According to article 7:232 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), you can ask the court to reduce the rent to the legal maximum. Start with a formal letter to the landlord in which you point out the exceedance and demand repayment of the excess amount paid. Mention the exact dates, amounts, and the WWS percentage for that year. If the landlord does not respond within 14 days, then involve the Rent Committee (Huurcommissie) or the subdistrict court (kantonrechter). For unregulated sector dwellings, the Rent Committee is competent for binding advice. Keep all correspondence and payment proofs as evidence. In 2024, the maximum was 3.4%, but always check the current RVO figures. Successful claims often lead to repayment plus interest. Note the deadlines: you have two years after the increase to litigate. This way, you effectively protect your rights against unlawful increases and restore your financial position.