Rent Price Control - Am I Paying Too Much Rent in Westland?
Many tenants in Westland may be paying a rent price that is higher than permitted under the points system. With a rent price control, you can check if your rent price is fair and possibly apply for a reduction.
When Can You Have Your Rent Price Assessed?
You can request an assessment of your rent price if:
- The initial rent of your tenancy agreement seems too high
- You think the rent does not correspond to the points system
- You want to know whether your property falls under social rent or the private sector
Deadlines for Assessment
| Time of Application | Retroactive Effect |
|---|---|
| Within 6 months after start of rent | From start of tenancy agreement |
| After 6 months | From date of application |
Advice: Apply for an assessment as early as possible to benefit optimally.
Step 1: Make Your Own Estimate
Before involving the Rent Tribunal, you can perform an initial check yourself:
Digital Rent Price Control
- Visit huurcommissie.nl
- Use the online rent price tool
- Enter the details of your property
- View an estimate of the permitted rent price
Required Information
- Surface area of the rooms
- Energy label of the property
- WOZ value of the house
- Facilities such as kitchen and bathroom
- Outdoor spaces such as a terrace or garden
Step 2: Application to the Rent Tribunal
If the check indicates that your rent is too high:
- Fill out the form: Download the form via huurcommissie.nl
- Pay the fee: €25 (refunded if upheld)
- Submit: Send it to the Rent Tribunal
- Processing: This process takes several months
Step 3: Investigation and Decision
The Rent Tribunal handles your case by:
- Requesting information from the landlord
- Possibly conducting a property inspection
- Calculating the points score
- Establishing the maximum rent
- Issuing a binding decision
Possible Outcomes
| Outcome | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Rent too high | Reduction of rent + refund of excess paid |
| Rent correct | No adjustment |
| Private sector property | No rent price regulation |
Refund for Excessive Rent
If you have paid too much rent:
- The rent is reduced to the maximum
- You receive a refund of the excess amount paid
- Retroactive effect to the start date (within 6 months of application)
- Otherwise: from the date of application
Example Calculation
Your rent is €700, but the maximum is €550:
- Difference: €150 per month
- If applied after 6 months: €150 × 6 = €900 refund
- New rent: €550 per month
Private Sector: No Control of Initial Rent
For properties above the deregulation threshold:
- No check on the initial rent possible
- Check possible on unreasonable rent increases
- Note: the Affordable Rent Act may bring changes
Tips for Assessment
- Measure carefully: Surface areas weigh heavily in the points calculation
- Check energy label: This significantly affects the score
- Find WOZ value: Available at WOZwaardeloket.nl
- Keep documents: Tenancy agreement and payment proofs
- Be quick: Within 6 months for maximum refund
Frequently Asked Questions in Westland
Can my landlord terminate my contract due to a rent check?
No, this is not a legal ground for termination. Your tenancy protection remains intact.
How do I find out the points score of my property?
The Rent Tribunal determines this during the procedure.
Can service charges also be checked?
Yes, the Rent Tribunal can also assess the service charges.
Excessive rent in Westland costs you unnecessary money. Apply for an assessment if you doubt the legality of your rent price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights as a tenant in Westland?
As a tenant, you are entitled to a safe, decent property, protection against unreasonable rent increases, and the possibility to demand improvements if the property is not habitable.
Can a landlord simply increase the rent?
No, rent increases are subject to strict rules. The landlord must announce this in writing at least two months in advance and may not increase more than legally permitted.
What happens to my deposit?
The deposit must be refunded by the landlord after deduction of any damage, provided this is stipulated in the contract.