WWS-maximum rent Westland: what is the tenant allowed to pay?
In Westland, a WWS-maximum rent applies to social rental housing. Discover the rules, your rights and how to take action if the rent is too high. Specific to Westland, district of the District Court of The Hague.
What is WWS-maximum rent in Westland?
The WWS-maximum rent is the statutory maximum for rental prices of dwellings under the Housing Allocation Act (Wet Woonruimteverdeling (WWS)) in the social sector. In Westland, this protects tenants against excessively high rents in housing association dwellings and the additional sector. The municipality of Westland sets the maxima together with the Tenants' Union (Woonbond), based on surface area, location (such as 's-Gravenzande or Naaldwijk) and type of dwelling.
Statutory basis of WWS-maximum rent Westland
The rules derive from the **Housing Act**:
- Article 1:1 Housing Act – Objectives of housing market policy.
- Article 1:2 Housing Act – Rent price regulation and maxima.
- Article 1:3 Housing Act – Municipal determination of maxima.
- Decision on maximum rent municipality of Westland – Annual decision with exact amounts per neighbourhood and type (e.g. maisonette vs. single-family dwelling).
In disputes, the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) decides. For legal advice in Westland: Juridisch Loket Westland. Court: District Court of The Hague (district Westland).
Which dwellings in Westland?
Yes under WWS-maximum:
- Social rental housing of housing associations in Westland.
- Additional market: private rentals below the maximum.
- Dwellings with existing low rent.
No under WWS:
- Free sector (above maximum, e.g. luxury in Monster).
- Temporary contracts <2 years.
- Business or holiday dwellings.
How does Westland calculate the maximum?
The municipality of Westland uses:
- Surface area in m² living area.
- Neighbourhood/location: higher in Westland centre than on the edges.
- Type: flat vs. detached dwelling.
- Quality: energy label and maintenance influence the maximum.
Check the Decision on maximum rent Westland on gemeentewestland.nl or Huurcommissie.nl.
Rent increase in Westland?
Landlords may not increase above the WWS-maximum. Annual increase max. according to cabinet norm (e.g. 2024: 5.4% for middle incomes). In case of exceedance: file a complaint within 4 months with the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) or Juridisch Loket Westland. For Westland-specific maxima: consult the municipality.
What to do if the rent is too high in Westland?
1. Calculate your maximum via the Rent Tribunal tool.
2. Apply for rent reduction with the Rent Tribunal (cost €25, refunded if successful).
3. Contact Juridisch Loket Westland for free advice.
4. In case of judgment: District Court of The Hague.