Rent Reduction After Exceeding WWS Maximum in Westland: Your Step-by-Step Guide

In Westland, with its many greenhouse horticulture companies and residential areas such as Naaldwijk, Monster and Kwintsheul, landlords sometimes exceed the WWS maximum, especially for homes for seasonal workers. If your landlord does this and you have already paid the higher rent, you can demand rent reduction. Pursuant to Article 7:232 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), you can ask the district court (kantonrechter) in The Hague to reduce the rent to the statutory maximum. Start with a formal registered letter to the landlord, in which you point out the exceedance with reference to the WOZ value of your home in Westland and demand repayment of the excess amount paid. State exact dates, amounts and the WWS percentage for that year, for example via the RVO tool with postcode from Poeldijk or 's-Gravenzande. If the landlord does not respond within 14 days, then involve the Rent Committee (Huurcommissie) for binding advice (for the regulated sector) or go directly to the district court in The Hague. For unregulated sector homes in Westland, the same procedure applies, but local rent teams such as those at Woonnet Rijnmond can provide free advice. Keep all correspondence, payment proofs and WOZ decisions as evidence. In 2024 the maximum was 3.4%, but always check the current RVO figures for your region. Successful claims in Westland often lead to repayment plus statutory interest. Note the two-year period after the increase to litigate. This way you protect your rights against unlawful increases in this municipality and restore your financial position, also with the help of local advocacy organizations for horticulture tenants.