Rent Price Protection and Indexation in Delft: Practical Examples

In Delft, the Rent Act (art. 7:247 CC) protects tenants in the city against excessive rents, especially around the TU campus and historic city centre. Liberalisation threshold 2024: €879.66; below that, the points system applies, aligned with Delft's WOZ values and energy labels of monumental buildings. Landlords may annually index by a maximum of 5.3% (2024), provided it is announced in writing at least one month in advance. Exceedance renders the indexation void. Tenants in Delft can file an objection with the Rent Tribunal within 4 months; local branches in The Hague handle many TU student cases. For income-dependent rent in the social sector (art. 7:250 CC), additional protection applies to Delft families. Consequences: repayment of excesses with statutory interest. Example: excessive service costs for bike sheds in Delft student flats (max. €5.50/m²) are assessed separately. Tips: check the WOZ value via the Delft municipality website and energy label for accurate point calculation, crucial for canal houses. For new tenancies in Delft, the price may not exceed a 'reasonable' threshold, assessed based on luxury, location near the station or Market. Disputes lead to binding advice from the Rent Tribunal, followed by the district court in The Hague. Indexation clauses without statutory cap are unfair (art. 6:236 CC). Low-income Delft tenants, such as starters, can apply for rent allowance via the Tax Authorities. Landlords: avoid sanctions with transparent specification, taking into account local congestion around InHolland. Recent Hta amendment stops abuse of landlord levies in Delft housing associations. Thus, the law balances the interests of students and families, and prevents usury rents in this student city. Document everything, including emails with TU landlords, for strong evidence. (248 words)