Historical Increases of the Liberalisation Threshold in Westland

The rent price liberalisation threshold has been increased multiple times since 1990 to reduce the social housing sector in Westland, where the greenhouse horticulture sector creates strong demand for mid-market rental properties. Starting at €600 (1990), it rose to €712.50 (2013), €752.33 (2021), and €808.06 (2024). These adjustments, implemented by cabinets such as Rutte-II and III, respond to housing shortages in Westland, particularly in areas like Naaldwijk, Monster, and 's-Gravenzande, where seasonal horticulture workers exert pressure on the housing market. The aim is to create more mid-market rental properties to accommodate greenhouse employees and relieve housing corporations of the burden of low-income housing. The political debate in the Westland council revolves around gentrification; critics fear the displacement of middle-income earners from horticulture villages due to rising rents. Legally established in the Housing Act and annually indexed with inflation plus a corrective factor, the threshold remained stable at €711 between 2015 and 2020. However, the Affordable Rent Act (2021) introduced a significant increase. As a result, approximately 10% of rental properties in Westland were liberalised, particularly in Randstad border areas such as Kwintsheul. Tenants with long-term contracts from the 'pre-liberalisation' period retain old regulations through transitional rights, which is crucial for permanent horticulture staff. Landlords must respect the threshold for new contracts, taking local nitrogen regulations into account. Future developments may include further increases in 2025 due to nitrogen and climate policies affecting Westland’s greenhouse horticulture sector. Sources such as the Staatscourant, reports from the Rent Commission, and Westland Municipal Archives provide detailed tables. This insight aids in strategic rent pricing in the region.