Points System in Social Housing Delft: Alternative to Liberalisation

In Delft, the points system determines the maximum rent price for social housing below the liberalisation threshold, crucial in this student city with high demand. Each property receives points based on 14 factors: floor area (1 pt/0.5m²), energy index, neighbourhood status such as in the Vinex district Buitenhof or historic city centre, WOZ value and more. Maximum 145 points = €759.17 (2024). The Rent Tribunal calculates the applicable rent and adjusts in case of exceedance, relevant for Delft housing associations such as Vestia and Haag Wonen. Housing Act Annex II regulates this with annual update per 1 July. Example: a 70m² property in Delft Vinex district Buitenhof scores 110 points, max. rent €590. Landlords add service charges (max. €4/m²), often for bicycle storage or energy label upgrades. Tenants, mostly TU Delft students or young professionals, claim refunds for excessive bare rent via Rent Tribunal (€25 costs). Digitalisation via Huurpunt.nl accelerates checks for Delft addresses. Politics: in Delft coalition agreements (GroenLinks-PvdA-D66) discussed abolishing points system for more flexibility in new-build around Technopolis. Advantages: transparency and affordability in tight market. Disadvantages: brake on social new-build in districts like Poptahof. Recent ruling Court of Appeal The Hague (2024, relevant for Delft): fictitious points for luxury finishes such as designer kitchens. Tenants with >5 years occupancy in Delft receive 5% bonus. This system contrasts with private sector around the station and protects against usurious rents. Learn to calculate points for your Delft property via local tools. (218 words)