Housing Valuation System and Rent Determination in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, the housing valuation system (WWS) determines the maximum rent price in the regulated sector through a point system based on floor area, facilities, and WOZ value. Properties with a rent above the liberalisation threshold of €900 (2024) fall into the free sector, which often occurs in Rotterdam neighbourhoods such as Kralingen and Hillegersberg. Landlords in Rotterdam may not arbitrarily add points; tenants can check this via huurcheck.toeslagen.nl or with the local Huurteam Rotterdam for free advice. For rent increases, the price must remain within the WWS, which is particularly relevant in popular Rotterdam neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven and Feijenoord where housing shortage is high. The Huurcommissie revalues upon objection, with recent adjustments such as extra points for sustainable insulation – think of energy-efficient homes in the Merwe-Vierhavens – but deductions for defects such as moisture problems in older buildings. Rotterdam tenants can challenge the appropriateness of their rent via the municipality or Huurcommissie. In the transitional sector, such as with certain social housing corporation properties in Rotterdam-South, the WWS remains in force. This system ensures transparency and prevents excessive rents in the port city, with additional local support via the Woonloket Rotterdam.