Liberalisation Threshold Rotterdam: Transition to the Free Sector in the Maasstad

In Rotterdam, the liberalisation threshold marks the division between regulated WWS rent and the free sector: €879.66 in 2024. Properties above this, such as luxury new-builds in neighbourhoods like Kop van Zuid or Rijnhaven, escape rent price control. Landlords in Rotterdam must register with the Land Registry before 1 July of the preceding year to activate liberalisation. Tenants then lose WWS protection but retain termination protection against arbitrary termination. Exception: ongoing contracts remain regulated until the next revision. Test this via the Rotterdam points system: more than 216 points qualifies as liberal. Due to the extreme housing shortage in Rotterdam, the municipality has lowered the threshold to €808.06 for 2024 to protect affordable rent in busy neighbourhoods like Delfshaven and Feijenoord. Municipalities such as Rotterdam can further adjust these thresholds in cases of market tightness. Disputes over liberalisation in the Maasstad go to the Rent Tribunal or the Rotterdam district court. This system stimulates new-build projects along the Maas, but there is criticism from tenants' organisations such as Woonbond Rotterdam on the declining affordability for starters and port workers. Tip for Rotterdam tenants: check the Land Registry registration online to prevent unexpected rent increases of up to 20-30% and consult the municipality website for local rules. (248 words)