Consequences of Exceeding the Income Ceiling in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, exceeding the income ceiling has direct consequences for tenants of social housing, especially in neighborhoods such as Charlois, Feijenoord, and Rotterdam-South where housing associations such as Woonbron and Vestia are dominant. First, you receive a letter from the housing association with an income statement from the Personal Records Database (BRP). Within two months, you must prove that your income remains below €47,699 (2024 ceiling for a one-person household). If you fail to do so, a proposal for rent increase to liberal sector level follows, often 30-50% higher, which in Rotterdam housing association properties amounts to rents of €900 to €1,200 per month. After a year without a solution, the landlord may terminate the tenancy agreement via the Rotterdam District Court (art. 7:271 DCC). You get a maximum of two years' deferral to move, for example to a starter home in Prinsenland or a purchase option via the Home Ownership Stimulation Scheme. During this period, you do not build up passive tenancy rights. Local practice examples from Rotterdam show that 25% of exceeders leave within a year for more expensive rental in Kralingen or purchase in Lombardijen. Objection is possible at the Rent Tribunal in Rotterdam if the housing association does not comply with the Rotterdam Housing Ordinance 2024. For vulnerable groups, such as those aged 65+ or status holders, exceptions apply via the Hardship Clause or the Rotterdam priority procedure for protected housing. Prevent escalation by timely contacting Woonpunt Rotterdam or the Legal Counter in the city, and seeking alternatives such as priority for social housing in IJsselmonde.