Comparison: liberal versus income-dependent rent increase in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, where social rental housing forms a large part of the housing market, tenants in neighborhoods such as Charlois, Feijenoord and IJsselmonde often distinguish between liberal and income-dependent increases. Understand the difference to effectively manage your rent costs in this port city, especially with the high pressure on the Rotterdam rental market.
What is liberal rent increase in Rotterdam?
The liberal rent increase is the standard annual adjustment, established by the minister (e.g. 5.4% in 2024), based on inflation and the property valuation. In Rotterdam, this applies to all social tenants at housing associations such as Woonbron, Vestia and Havensteder, regardless of your income. It follows the national guidelines, but local housing associations apply it to tens of thousands of homes in the city.
Differences with income-dependent increase
For Rotterdam tenants with a high income, the income-dependent increase can amount to 7.75%, while it is lower in the event of income decreases. The liberal increase always applies to everyone; the income-dependent only if your household income exceeds the statutory limits (e.g. €47,699 for a single person in 2024). Rotterdam housing associations such as DeltaWonen often combine both, which leads to discussions in the local Tenants' Council Rotterdam about affordability in a city with rising real estate prices.
Your strategy as a Rotterdam tenant
Always check the rent increase letter from your housing association, such as that from Woonplus or TRTL. In the case of a combination of liberal and income-dependent increase, you can object to the income-dependent part via the Rent Tribunal, with support from Rotterdam interest organizations. Take into account the total impact on your budget, especially in a city where the average rent is already above the national average due to the popularity of Rotterdam.