Indexation of Service Costs versus WWS Maximum in Amsterdam: The Pitfalls

In Amsterdam, service costs indexation may not fall below the WWS maximum, but landlords in neighbourhoods such as the Jordaan or Oost often use it as a loophole to increase rents. Article 7:892 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) clearly separates the bare rent from service costs, which may be indexed annually based on the CPI (consumer price index) from the CBS. However, Amsterdam housing associations and private landlords sometimes bundle this with rent increases, which is legally invalid according to the Huurcommissie. Carefully check the specification: fixed costs such as lift maintenance in high-rise flats versus variable expenses like cleaning in canal houses. Only CPI adjustment is permitted, not the WWS percentage. Request annual accounts from the landlord and compare with current CBS inflation figures. Exceedance? Rebut item by item with evidence. The Amsterdam Huurcommissie reviews service costs separately and sees many complaints from the city. Avoid the pitfall by strictly invoicing bare rent and service costs separately, as is customary with WoningNet allocations. In case of abuse: demand rent reduction via the court or committee. Stay alert in this grey area, especially with the high pressure on the Amsterdam rental market.