Income Ceiling for Social Housing in Rotterdam

In the Netherlands, the social rental sector is intended for people with a **modest income**. To ensure that these homes remain available for those who really need them, an **income ceiling** applies. This ceiling is a percentage of the **gross income** that tenants in social housing may have. When your income exceeds this ceiling, you must leave the home or switch to a home in the **private sector** (with a higher rent).

The income ceiling is an important rule in **tenancy law** and is set by the government. The aim is to keep social housing accessible to people with a low or modest income. In this article, we explain how the income ceiling works, what rules apply, and what you can do if your income rises.

Legal Basis: What Does the Law Say?

The income ceiling is regulated in the **Rent Allowance Act** and the **Housing Act**. In addition, the **housing association's tenancy rules** (the landlord of social housing) play an important role. The most important laws are:

• Housing Act (arts. 1.1 and 1.2): Contains the general rules for social rental housing and its allocation.
• Rent Allowance Act (art. 12): States that your income may not be too high to be eligible for social rental housing.
• Housing association's tenancy regulations: Every social landlord (usually a housing association) has its own rules regarding the income ceiling. These are often stricter than the statutory minimum standards.

The **income ceiling** itself is not laid down in the law, but is determined by the **housing association** and may vary by region. Generally, it is between **110% and 130% of the income testing figure** (ITF). The ITF is a benchmark for the income you may have to qualify for social housing.

Important: The income ceiling is checked annually. If your income rises, you must report this to your housing association. If you exceed the ceiling, the housing association has the right to terminate your tenancy or impose an **income ceiling obligation** on you.

How Does the Income Ceiling Work in Practice?

The income ceiling is calculated based on your **gross income** (before taxes and premiums have been deducted). The income of all household members is taken into account, including:

• Wages from employment
• Benefits (e.g., unemployment benefit, social assistance, state pension)
• Income from business
• Interest and dividends
• Allowances (e.g., child benefit)

Example: Suppose the income ceiling of your housing association is **120% of the ITF**. In 2024, the ITF is approximately €2,600 gross per month for a single person. Then your maximum gross income may be:

€2,600 × 1.20 = €3,120 gross per month

If your income exceeds this ceiling, you must take action. The housing association may give you an **income ceiling obligation**: you must then reduce your income or switch to a home in the private sector within a certain period (usually 1 to 2 years).

Examples of Income Ceilings by Household Composition (2024)

Note: These amounts are indicative. Always check the exact income ceiling in your tenancy agreement or request it from your housing association.

Your Rights and Obligations Regarding the Income Ceiling

Rights of the Tenant

• Right to Information: You are entitled to a clear explanation of the income ceiling and how it is calculated.
• Right to Object: If you disagree with the calculation of your income or the income ceiling, you can object to the housing association.
• Right to Consultation: If your income rises, you are entitled to an **income ceiling discussion** with the housing association to discuss options (e.g., in" }