Rent Price Liberalisation Threshold: What Does This Mean?
The rent price liberalisation threshold is a crucial threshold in Dutch tenancy law that determines whether a property in Amsterdam falls under rent price regulation or is in the private sector. Since 2021, this threshold has been significantly increased, causing many more rental properties in Amsterdam to fall outside the social rent sector. Discover how this works and what it means for your rent price in the capital.
What Exactly Does the Rent Price Liberalisation Threshold Entail?
The rent price liberalisation threshold separates social rental properties from the private sector. In Amsterdam, where the rental market is extremely tight, this threshold determines whether your property is subject to strict rules such as the points system (see our article on the points system in Amsterdam), limits on rent increases and additional tenant protection. Above this threshold, the landlord may freely determine the rent price.
Legal Basis in the Netherlands
The rules are laid down in:
- Housing Allowance Act (article 1, paragraph 2, sub a): sets the threshold for social rent.
- Good Landlordship in the Rental Sector Act: protects tenants in regulated rental properties.
- Housing Act: classifies rental properties in Amsterdam and elsewhere.
Current Threshold Values (2024) in Amsterdam
Due to the increase since 2021, the following now applies:
- € 879.66 per month for an independent dwelling (2024 threshold).
- In Amsterdam, rent prices are often higher due to local market pressure, causing many properties to directly enter the private sector.
Attention: Exceeding this threshold means no further access to the points system, no limit on increases and limited housing allowance. In Amsterdam, housing associations and the municipality strictly check the correct classification.
How Is the Liberalisation Threshold Calculated for Amsterdam?
Annually, the Ministry of the Interior adjusts the threshold based on:
- The national rent price index according to the CBS.
- Inflation and average private sector rents, which in Amsterdam are significantly higher than the national average.
Social Rent versus Private Sector in Amsterdam
| Social Rent (Amsterdam) | Private Sector (Amsterdam) |
|---|---|
| Rent < €879.66 (2024), points system applies. | Rent > €879.66, free pricing. |
| Max. rent increase 5.3% (2024 norm), regulated. | Increase up to 10% possible with consent. |
| Full housing allowance possible. | Limited housing allowance depending on income. |
| Deposit with Amsterdam Rent Team in case of unreasonable increase. | Minimally protected, market conform. |
| Municipal priority in allocation. | Freely tradable via estate agents. |
Impact for Tenants in Amsterdam
Check if your property is regulated via:
- Rent price check on huurcommissie.nl.
- Property characteristics: size, facilities determine points.
- Lease agreement date: before 1990 often still regulated.
Practical Examples Amsterdam
Example 1: Regulated Property East
Apartment 60m², €850/month. Falls under liberalisation threshold → points system, max. increase 5.3%, housing allowance possible.
Example 2: Private Sector Centre
Studio 40m², €1,400/month. Above threshold → landlord determines increase (e.g. 8%), no points test.
Tip: In case of rent increase above norm: objection to the Rent Tribunal within 2 months. District Court of Amsterdam (Parnassusweg 220) in case of escalation.