Objection Procedure for Excessively High Income-Dependent Rent Increase in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, where rent prices are sky-high due to the tight housing market, landlords often announce unjustified income-dependent rent increases. Start immediately with a written objection within six weeks of receiving the letter. State concrete facts, such as incorrect income data from the UWV register, exceeding the national maximum, or incorrect sector classification for your property in neighbourhoods like the Jordaan or Oost. The landlord is obliged to respond within six weeks. No satisfactory response? Then file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal via huurcommissie.nl (cost €25, with an office in Amsterdam for quick handling). The Rent Tribunal strictly checks income above the threshold of €47,699 (2024), sector (liberal or regulated), and the current index. If the ruling is positive for you, the landlord must reverse the increase, repay any overpaid rent including statutory interest, and reimburse procedural costs. In urgent cases, such as threatened eviction in Amsterdam rental properties, involve the district court via the Amsterdam District Court (location Prins Bernhardplein). Gather all your evidence: tenancy agreement, recent income statement, WOZ decision, and all correspondence. Annually, the Rent Tribunal handles thousands of Amsterdam cases; the success rate for tenants is around 70% with good substantiation, especially in housing association properties. Prevent payment by protesting immediately – retrospective settlement can be done via the court, but is time-consuming. Local resources: free model letters from the Woonbond Amsterdam, advice from Huurteam Amsterdam (SPUI25), or Juridisch Loket in Oost or West. Also check amsterdam.nl/wonen for current rent policy and report excesses to the municipality.