Landlords cannot raise your rent by any amount they choose. Here are the 2026 caps for social, mid rent and free sector homes, and what to do if your increase is over the line.
In the Netherlands a landlord cannot raise your rent by any amount they like. There is a legal maximum each year, and it depends on what kind of home you rent. If a letter asks for more than the cap that applies to you, the increase is not automatically valid, and you can object.
For 2026, the maximum yearly rent increases are set as follows:
The category your home falls into is decided by its rent points, which is why working out your WWS points matters before you even look at the increase.
Check three things: which category your home is in, the percentage being applied, and the date the increase is meant to take effect. If the percentage is above the cap for your category, or the increase is timed wrong, you have grounds to object.
Not sure which category you are in? That is exactly what our rent increase check confirms, and if the increase is too high we write the objection letter in Dutch for you.
Object in writing, in time. A correctly worded objection often settles the matter on its own, because a landlord knows an unlawful increase would not survive a challenge at the Huurcommissie. If it does not settle, the tribunal can rule on it.
An increase on a rent that was already too high is a double problem. If your starting rent is above the legal maximum, the bigger win is challenging the rent itself, which we do on no cure, no pay. Check the base before you fight the increase.
Theory is useful, your actual number is better. Run the free two minute check and find out where you stand.
Start your free rent check