Exceptions to the WWS Maximum in Delft: When is it Allowed?

Not every rent increase above the WWS maximum is prohibited in Delft. Landlords may deviate for quality improvements, such as renovations in historic buildings around the Market or energy-efficient upgrades in student flats near TU Delft. Article 7:944 of the Dutch Civil Code permits 'improvement increases', provided they are reported to the Rent Tribunal and approved. In Delft, this is often seen with housing associations such as Vestia or Woonbron, which apply indexation of service charges for maintenance of canal houses or inflation adjustments. For private sector dwellings above the liberalisation threshold (€808.06 in 2024), such as luxury apartments in Nieuwe Langendijk, the maximum applies strictly, but temporary rentals to expats or new builds at Delft Campus Station have more lenient rules. Check your tenancy agreement for clauses on local improvements, such as asbestos removal, and request invoices from the landlord. Is the increase unmotivated? Challenge it via the Rent Tribunal in The Hague, which handles Delft cases. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) publishes annual exception rules, aligned with the rent index and local performance agreements with the municipality of Delft. In social housing, the 'agreement percentage' often applies via Delft housing associations. No visible improvements in your Midden-Delfland dwelling? Then the increase is unlawful. Consult the Rent Tribunal or the Legal Aid Office in Delft for assessment and avoid prolonged disputes. This way, you smartly navigate the legal grey areas in the Hanseatic city.