From social to free sector in Delft: liberalisation threshold
In Delft, with its vibrant student population and tight housing market, the free sector regime applies above € 879.66 (2024): less tenant protection and free pricing. No review by the Rent Tribunal, but termination protection via the district court in The Hague.
Characteristics of the free sector in Delft
Rental agreements in Delft are often flexible, with terms of 1-2 years, ideal for TU Delft students and young professionals. Annual indexation is common, and disputes are handled by the district court in the District of The Hague. Local real estate agents in the city centre around the Market offer many free sector properties.
Transition from social to liberal in Delft
The transition is automatic when rent exceeds the liberalisation threshold. Rent allowance remains possible up to € 1,100 for young people under 23 years, crucial in student-oriented Delft. In cases of skewed living – common due to the high income threshold – stepwise liberalisation follows. The municipality of Delft advises tenants to check the WOZ value of neighbourhoods such as Poptahof or Vrijenban for service charges.
- Protection: No forced relocation, even given the popularity of rental properties in Delft.
- Rent increase: Negotiate with landlords or apply indexation, taking into account local inflation around the Technopolis.
- WOZ reference year: Relevant for service charges in Delft complexes such as on Phoenixstraat.
The Liberalisation of Rent Prices Regulation defines the threshold nationally, but in Delft, experts from the Legal Counter advise screening rental agreements for hidden clauses, especially in room rentals in the old town.