Objection Procedure for Excessively High Income-Dependent Rent Increase in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, where rent prices in neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven and Feijenoord are rising rapidly, your landlord may announce an unjustified income-dependent rent increase. Immediately start with a written objection within six weeks of receipt of the letter. State concrete facts, such as incorrect income data from the Tax Authorities, exceedance of the national maximum, or incorrect sector classification for your dwelling. The landlord is obliged to respond within six weeks. No satisfactory response? Then file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal via huurcommissie.nl (court fee €25). The Rent Tribunal checks your income above €47,699 (2024 threshold), the dwelling sector, and the current index. If you win the case, the landlord must reverse the increase, repay any excess rent paid including statutory interest, and reimburse procedural costs. Rotterdam tenants can also approach the district court in the Palace of Justice at Schiedamse Singel for interim measures in cases of urgent need. Collect all your evidence: tenancy agreement, income statement from the Tax Authorities, WOZ decision, and all correspondence. Annually, the Rent Tribunal handles thousands of Rotterdam cases; the success rate for tenants is around 70% with proper substantiation, especially in housing association dwellings from Woonbron or Vestia. Prevent payment by protesting immediately – retrospective settlement can be done via the court, but is time-consuming. Local tips: consult the Rotterdam Tenants' Union for free model letters, the Legal Counter in Rotterdam-South (free consultation hours), or the Rotterdam Rent Team for personal guidance. This way, you keep your housing costs affordable in this vibrant port city.