Consequences of Exceeding Income Limit for Social Housing in

In Westland, the municipality with greenhouses and market gardeners in the Haaglanden region, strict rules apply in 2024 for tenants in the social rental sector if their income exceeds the income limit. According to the Housing Act (article 5.1) and the Decree on Suitable Allocation, the landlord – often a local housing association such as Vidomes or Woonbron – checks the household income via the Tax Authorities. If it exceeds €45,000 (for a single person) or €55,000 (for a multi-person household), a relocation obligation usually follows within two years, unless exceptional circumstances such as long-term illness, advanced age, or a medical indication apply. The procedure in Westland is specific: the housing association sends a notice of intent to terminate the tenancy agreement by post to your address in places such as Naaldwijk, 's-Gravenzande, or Monster. Tenants can file an objection with the housing association within six weeks, followed by an appeal to the Rent Tribunal in The Hague or the district court in Rotterdam. Exceptions are possible for temporary income peaks, for example due to an inheritance from a glasshouse gardening family or a one-time bonus for seasonal work. The municipality of Westland can then grant postponement or issue an urgency declaration for progression to mid-segment rental properties in the region. Local practice examples from Westland show that many tenants with exceeded income move to the private sector in Poeldijk or Kwintsheul, where rents quickly rise above €1,000 per month. This often causes financial bottlenecks, especially for market gardening families. The municipality offers advice via the Woonkompas Westland on income adjustment, rent allowance, or starter loans. Stay alert via your landlord and the municipal portal westland.nl. In case of disputes: seek free legal advice at the Juridisch Loket in The Hague or a tenancy law lawyer specialized in Westland matters. (312 words)