Maximum Rent Increase Rules After Liberalisation in Delft

In Delft, with its thriving free sector due to the proximity of TU Delft and the Technopolis area, there are no statutory maxima for rent increases post-liberalisation. Parties negotiate freely, often annually with CPI +2-3%, which in the Delft student and expat markets leads to increases of 8-12% due to high demand. Social rent in neighbourhoods such as the Vogelbuurt remains limited to inflation (3.3% in 2024) plus housing improvements. Transitional rules: first liberalisation year max. 5% for sitting tenants, with scale 1st year 4%, 2nd 5%, thereafter free. Good Landlordship Act (2019) sanctions unreasonable increases; Rent Committee assesses upon complaint on reasonableness, relevant for Delft housing associations such as Vestia. Indexation follows CBS inflation. Tenants sign rent increase proposal; tacit agreement after 2 months. Disputes settled via district court in The Hague. Local practice: in Delft-Randstad fringe, free sector rents see 7-10% increases due to scarcity and influx of 10,000+ students. Advice: include fixed rental periods in contract, especially for room rental. Fiscal impact: higher rent reduces mortgage interest deduction. Municipality of Delft offers model letters via delft.nl. During corona, temporary ceilings applied. Future: EU directive on affordable rent may set limits, fitting Delft's Housing Vision 2030 for affordable starter homes. This clearly separates Delft's sectors.