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Rent Protection and Indexation in Westland: Practical Advice

Rent protection in Westland limits indexation to 5.3% (2024). Tenants can object via the Rent Tribunal for refunds, tailored to horticulture and Vinex neighbourhoods.

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In Westland, the Dutch Rent Act (Article 7:247 of the Dutch Civil Code) protects tenants in greenhouse complexes, horticultural apartments, and Vinex neighbourhoods such as Honselersdijk and Naaldwijk from excessive rental prices. The liberalisation threshold for 2024 is set at €879.66; below this amount, the points system applies, adjusted to local WOZ (Valuation of Immovable Property Act) values for Westland properties near the A4 motorway. Landlords may annually index rent by a maximum of 5.3% (2024), provided this is announced in writing in accordance with regional rental practices. Exceeding this limit renders the indexation void. Tenants in Westland can lodge an objection with the Rent Tribunal in The Hague within four months, which is particularly advantageous for horticultural tenants. For income-dependent rent (social sector, prevalent in Monster), Article 7:250 of the Dutch Civil Code applies. Consequences include the repayment of excess amounts with interest. For example, excessively high service charges for greenhouse heating (capped at €5.50/m²) are separated out.

**Tips:** Verify the WOZ value via the Municipality of Westland and the energy label, as these are crucial for point calculation in agricultural rental properties. For new rentals in Poeldijk, the price may not exceed what is deemed 'reasonable,' assessed based on luxury, location near the FloraHolland auction, and horticultural facilities.

**Disputes:** The Rent Tribunal provides binding advice, after which the subdistrict court in The Hague may be engaged. Indexation clauses without a legal cap are considered unfair (Article 6:236 of the Dutch Civil Code). Tenants with low incomes from seasonal work should apply for housing allowance via the Tax and Customs Administration.

**For Landlords:** Avoid sanctions by providing transparent specifications, taking into account Westland’s greenhouse horticulture regulations. Recent amendments to the Housing Act (Woningwet) prohibit the misuse of landlord levies in this region. This legal framework balances the interests of greenhouse workers and property owners, preventing exploitative rent practices. Document everything, especially in the case of local lease agreements.