WWS Maximum Rent in The Hague: What is the Allowed Rent Price?
For a WWS maximum rent in The Hague, a statutory maximum applies to the rent price. This protects tenants in the social rental sector. Read here how it works, your rights and steps in case of excessive rent. Contact The Hague District Court, Prins Clauslaan 60 or Juridisch Loket The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
What is WWS Maximum Rent in The Hague?
The WWS maximum rent is the highest permitted rent for social rental properties in The Hague, regulated by the Housing Allocation Act (Wet Woonruimteverdeling (WWS)). This applies to properties under the rent regulation, including housing association properties and parts of the supplementary market. It prevents excessive rents and ensures affordability in The Hague.
The Municipality of The Hague sets this maximum with input from the Woonbond. It depends on property surface area, location in The Hague (e.g., Schilderswijk vs. Haagse Hout) and property type such as multi-story dwellings or single-family homes.
Statutory Basis for WWS Maximum Rent in The Hague
The core legislation is the Housing Allocation Act (Wet Woonruimteverdeling (WWS)), with relevant articles:
- Article 1:1 Housing Act – Objectives of the housing market and government role in The Hague.
- Article 1:2 Housing Act – Rules on maximum rent and price regulation.
- Article 1:3 Housing Act – Municipal determination of maximum rent.
- Decree on Rent Liberalisation The Hague – Specific to The Hague, with maxima per neighbourhood and type.
The Rent Tribunal handles disputes. You can initiate proceedings at The Hague District Court, Prins Clauslaan 60.
Which Properties in The Hague Fall Under WWS?
Yes under WWS maximum rent:
- Social rental properties from The Hague housing associations such as Haag Wonen.
- Supplementary market – Private rentals with long-term contracts below the maximum.
- Rents below the maximum – No increases above the The Hague maximum.
No under WWS:
- Free sector – Luxury properties in neighbourhoods like Zeeheldenkwartier with rent above the maximum.
- Temporary rentals – Short-term contracts or holiday homes.
- Business rentals – Company housing.
How is Maximum Rent in The Hague Calculated?
The Hague uses criteria such as:
- Surface area – Per m², higher for larger properties.
- Neighbourhood – Higher in the city centre or Binckhorst than peripheral areas.
- Type – Different for apartments vs. terraced houses.
- Condition – Renovations increase the maximum.
Consult the annual Decree on Maximum Rent The Hague on the municipal website or Rent Tribunal.
Rent Increases Under WWS in The Hague
Under WWS, the landlord may not arbitrarily raise the rent above the maximum. Increases follow national percentages or quality improvements, approved by the Rent Tribunal. In case of exceedance: file a rent dispute with the Rent Tribunal or proceed to The Hague District Court, Prins Clauslaan 60. Free advice via Juridisch Loket The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
What to Do in Case of Excessive Rent in The Hague?
1. Check the maximum on the rent price check.
2. Request rent freeze or reduction.
3. Report to the Rent Tribunal within 4 months after the contract.
4. In case of deadlock: The Hague District Court or Juridisch Loket.