Rent Increase Point System in Amsterdam: How Does It Work?
In Amsterdam, a landlord may not arbitrarily increase the rent price for a **rent increase**. For rental properties in the **private sector**, the **point system** applies. This limits the increase based on the **rent index** and the **age of the property**. Discover how this works in Amsterdam, your rights, and where to get help at Amsterdam District Court (Parnassusweg 220) or Amsterdam Legal Aid Office (Vijzelstraat 77).
What Does the Point System Entail for Amsterdam?
The **point system** regulates rent increases in the **private sector** and is included in the **Private Sector Rent Increases Act (WHVS)** and **Rent Act**. In Amsterdam, with many rental properties, this protects tenants against excessive increases. The increase depends on **points**, determined by the **rent index** (CBS data) and the **construction age** of your property. Older buildings in Amsterdam-Centre or De Pijp, for example, receive fewer points.
Note: Only for the **private sector**. Social housing in Amsterdam (e.g., Ymere) follows different rules with **rent allowance**.
Legal Basis in Amsterdam
Key laws:
- Private Sector Rent Increases Act (WHVS): Maximum increases for the private sector.
- Rent Act (art. 7:270-7:278): Procedure and point calculation.
- Private Sector Rent Increases Decree (BHV): Points per index and age.
The **rent index** comes from the CBS. In case of disputes, you can go to Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220 or start at Amsterdam Legal Aid Office, Vijzelstraat 77.
Calculating Points for Your Amsterdam Property
Points = **rent index** × **age discount**:
- Rent index: Monthly CBS figure for rent development.
- Age of property: Protects older Amsterdam national monuments.
Amsterdam example: Rent index +2.5%, property from 1995 (29 years old). Due to age factor, maximum ~1% increase. Use the Judiciary tool or check with the Legal Aid Office.
Points per Age Category in Practice
Overview (based on BHV, current for Amsterdam):
| Age of property | Points factor | Max. increase (at +2.5% index) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 years (new construction IJburg) | 100% | 2.5% |
| 5–10 years | 80% | 2.0% |
| 10–20 years | 60% | 1.5% |
| 20–30 years | 40% | 1.0% |
| >30 years (Oud-Zuid) | 20% | 0.5% |
The same national rules apply in Amsterdam, but local judiciary (Parnassusweg 220) handles many cases.
What If the Landlord Demands Too Much in Amsterdam?
Send a registered letter objection. If it goes wrong? To Amsterdam District Court (Parnassusweg 220) within 4 months. Free advice: Amsterdam Legal Aid Office, Vijzelstraat 77. In 2023, Amsterdam District Court ruled in several cases that increases without point check were unjustified.