Exceeding the WWS Maximum: What Now?
If your rent increase is higher than the WWS maximum (Housing Valuation and Subsidies Act), you can challenge this legally in The Hague. The WWS maximum is the legally established limit for how much your rent increase may be per year. If your landlord exceeds this limit, the increase may be unlawful. This article explains what the WWS maximum is, how you can check if your rent increase complies with it, and what you can do if it is exceeded, specifically for The Hague.
What is the WWS Maximum?
The WWS maximum is the maximum annual rent increase that a landlord may implement according to the Housing Valuation and Subsidies Act (WWS). This act regulates, among other things, rent price development in the Netherlands, including The Hague. The WWS maximum protects tenants against excessively high and unreasonable increases.
The WWS maximum is established annually by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and depends on the rent allowance norm and the rent index. For 2024, the WWS maximum is, for example, 3.4% (for private sector rental properties outside the Rent Tribunal). For social housing in The Hague, a lower limit often applies via housing associations.
Important: The WWS maximum applies only to private sector rental properties. For social housing in The Hague (e.g., from housing associations), rules apply via the Rent Tribunal.
Legal Basis
The most important legal grounds are:
- Article 7:900 Dutch Civil Code (BW): general rules for rent increases.
- Housing Valuation and Subsidies Act (WWS): maximum increase for private sector.
- Housing Valuation Decree (BW): exact percentages and rules for WWS maximum.
For social housing in The Hague, the Rent Tribunal plays a role in assessing reasonableness. For private sector, you can request a rent review at the District Court of The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60.
How Does the WWS Maximum Work in Practice in The Hague?
The WWS maximum applies to annual rent increases. Your landlord may increase the rent by a maximum of this percentage, unless there are exceptions such as necessary improvements or additional costs.
Examples WWS Maximum 2024
| Current Rent | WWS Maximum 2024 | Maximum New Rent | Landlord's Increase | Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €1,200.00 | 3.4% | €1,240.80 | €1,300.00 | No (exceeds maximum) |
| €900.00 | 3.4% | €930.60 | €950.00 | Yes (within maximum) |
| €1,500.00 | 3.4% | €1,551.00 | €1,600.00 | No (exceeds maximum) |
Note: In case of exceedance, you can take action via local authorities in The Hague.
What to Do if WWS Maximum is Exceeded in The Hague?
Follow these steps:
- Check the Increase: Request written explanation from your landlord regarding the rent index and substantiation.
- Contact the Legal Aid Office The Hague: Visit the Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10 for free advice.
- Send a Notice of Default: Write a formal letter objecting to the excessively high increase.
- Initiate Proceedings at the District Court of The Hague: File a request at the District Court of The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60 to have the increase reversed.
- Request Rent Review: For private sector properties, you can initiate a rent price procedure.
Tip for The Hague: Housing associations often fall under Rent Tribunal rules. Check your tenancy agreement and contact support services promptly.
Local Contact Points The Hague
- District Court of The Hague: Prins Clauslaan 60, 2595 AH The Hague
- Legal Aid Office The Hague: Lutherse Burgwal 10, 2512 LR The Hague
- Rent Team The Hague: For mediation in rent disputes