Challenging Rent Increases in Delft: Legal Limits

A rent increase can cause tension between tenant and landlord in Delft, where the rental market is under pressure due to the popularity of this historic student city. According to the Rent Act, a landlord may only increase the rent annually by a percentage set by the government, often linked to inflation. For 2024, this maximum is 5.3% for private sector homes in Delft, but in the regulated sector, stricter rules apply via the Rent Tribunal. Delft tenants with housing associations such as Vestia or Trivire must pay extra attention to the liberalisation threshold of €808.06 (2024), especially in neighbourhoods such as the city centre or around TU Delft. Does the proposed increase exceed this limit? Then file an objection. Send a registered letter with your objections to the landlord within two months of becoming aware. If there is no response, involve the Rent Tribunal for a binding ruling – a procedure that is frequently used in Delft due to the tight housing market. Evidence such as the tenancy agreement, correspondence, and possibly the WOZ value of your Delft property is crucial. In urgent cases, you can ask the district court in The Hague for suspension of the increase. Landlords must announce the increase in writing with a clear calculation, including reference to the points system for property valuation. In Delft, tenants have the right to inspect the property valuation, taking into account local factors such as proximity to the Technical University. This way, you effectively enforce your rights, protect your wallet against unjustified costs, and navigate the specific challenges of the Delft rental market. Always consult the current legislation via rijksoverheid.nl or the Rent Tribunal, as maxima change annually.