Housing Benefit and the Impact of the Liberalisation Threshold in Westland

In Westland, the liberalisation threshold determines eligibility for housing benefit for many greenhouse horticulture workers and low-income individuals. Properties below the threshold qualify for a benefit of up to €400+ per month for low incomes. Above the threshold, no benefit is granted, even for low-income individuals in Westland residing in greenhouse workers' housing. The Housing Benefit Act (Article 6) links this to 'deductible rent': the net rent minus service costs. In 2024, the maximum income is €26,500 for singles and €35,000 for cohabitants. Exceeding these limits results in an abrupt loss of the benefit, which can double housing costs in the Westland region due to high local rents. Exception: Temporary liberalisation during renovation retains the benefit for 2 years, relevant for older complexes in 's-Gravenzande and Naaldwijk. Tenants must report changes within 4 weeks via [Mijn toeslagen](https://www.mijntoeslagen.nl). Landlords risk fines for incorrect registration in the housing register, strictly enforced by the Municipality of Westland. Statistics: Nationally, 1.2 million households depend on housing benefit; in Westland, liberalisation affects over 100,000 annually, particularly seasonal workers. Strategy: Negotiate service costs to stay below the threshold, crucial in Westland's expensive rental market. The Tax and Customs Administration publishes monthly tables. Link to energy performance: A++ rated properties, such as energy-efficient greenhouse horticulture apartments, receive bonus points for deferring liberalisation. Legal context: In 2023, the Council of State ruled that automatic exclusion may be disproportionate in exceptional circumstances, such as flexible incomes in Westland's greenhouses. Check eligibility via [toeslagen.nl](https://www.toeslagen.nl). This article highlights financial pitfalls for Westland tenants.