Maximum Rent Increase Rules After Liberalisation in Rotterdam

In the private sector of Rotterdam after liberalisation, no statutory maxima apply to rent increases; landlords and tenants negotiate freely, often annually with CPI +2-3%, especially in popular neighbourhoods such as Kralingen and Rotterdam-South where demand is high due to port workers and expats. Social rent in Rotterdam housing association properties remains limited to inflation (3.3% in 2024) plus costs of housing improvements. Transition rules: in the first liberalisation year, max. 5% for sitting tenants in the city. The Good Landlordship Act (2019) prohibits unreasonable increases; the Rent Committee assesses complaints on reasonableness, with many cases from Rotterdam student areas and port districts. Scale for liberalisation: 1st year 4%, 2nd year 5%, thereafter free negotiation. Indexation follows CBS inflation. Tenants in Rotterdam sign the rent increase proposal or tacitly agree after 2 months. Disputes end up with the Rotterdam district court. Practice: private sector sees 8-12% increases due to housing shortage in the Randstad and Rotterdam scarcity. Local tip: include fixed rent periods in contracts, taking into account municipal pressure on parking pressure and liveability. Fiscal impact: higher rent reduces mortgage interest deduction for starters in surrounding municipalities. National government model letters are available, Rotterdam adds its own rent teams. During corona, temporary ceilings applied. Future: EU directive on affordable rent may set limits, fitting Rotterdam's Housing Vision 2030 for affordable port city housing. This clearly separates Rotterdam's private and social rental market.