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WWS Maximum Rent Rotterdam: What is the Allowed Rent?

WWS maximum rent in Rotterdam: discover the legal rent ceiling for social housing, how it is determined and your options if the rent is too high.

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WWS Maximum Rent Rotterdam: What is the Allowed Rent?

For a WWS maximum rent in Rotterdam, a legal maximum applies to the rent price. This protects tenants in the social rental sector. Read here how it works in Rotterdam, your rights and steps if the rent is too high.

What is WWS Maximum Rent in Rotterdam?

The WWS maximum rent is the highest permitted rent amount for social rental properties in Rotterdam, regulated by the Housing Allocation Act (WWS). This applies to properties under the rent control scheme, such as housing association properties and certain private rentals in the supplementary sector. It protects against excessively high rents in a city like Rotterdam with high housing demand.

The Municipality of Rotterdam sets this maximum with input from the Tenants' Union (Woonbond). It depends on property size, location (e.g. Centrum vs. Rotterdam-South) and property type such as apartment or single-family home.

Legal Basis for WWS Maximum Rent Rotterdam

The basis is the **Housing Allocation Act (WWS)**, among others in:

  • Article 1:1 Housing Act – Objectives of the housing market.
  • Article 1:2 Housing Act – Rules on maximum rent.
  • Article 1:3 Housing Act – Municipal determination.
  • Rotterdam Rent Liberalisation Decree – Specific to Rotterdam, with maxima per neighbourhood and type.

The Rent Tribunal resolves rent disputes. At the District Court Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125) you can go for legal proceedings. The Legal Aid Office Rotterdam (Westblaak 180) offers free advice.

Which Rotterdam Properties Fall Under It?

Yes:

  • Social rent from housing associations such as Woonbron or Vestia.
  • Supplementary market – Private rent below the maximum.
  • Rents below the maximum – No increase above it.

No:

  • Free sector – Luxury apartments in Kralingen or above €1,000+.
  • Temporary rent – Short-term contracts.
  • Company housing.

How Does Rotterdam Determine the Maximum Rent?

Based on:

  1. Size – Per m², higher for larger properties.
  2. Neighbourhood – Higher in Centrum, Kop van Zuid than in IJsselmonde.
  3. Type – Different for high-rise vs. ground-based.
  4. Quality – New builds in Rotterdam-Alexander have a higher maximum.

Check the annual Rotterdam Rent Liberalisation Decree on Rotterdam municipality or Rent Tribunal.

Rent Increase in Rotterdam?

Under WWS, the landlord may not increase above the maximum. Annual increase max. according to guideline (e.g. 5.4% in 2024), but not over the WWS ceiling. In case of exceedance: file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal within 4 months.

What to Do if the Rent is Too High in Rotterdam?

  1. Check your maximum on rent price check.
  2. Send a letter to the landlord with the calculation.
  3. Involve the Rent Tribunal for measurement.
  4. In case of need: Legal Aid Office Rotterdam (Westblaak 180) or District Court Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125).

In Rotterdam, stricter enforcement on illegal high rents in the social sector has applied since 2023.