Rolling WWS-maximum in Amsterdam: cumulative effects over multiple years

In Amsterdam, the WWS-maximum does not apply in isolation per year, but rolls over cumulatively across multiple years, as laid down in Article 7:901 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Landlords in the capital may not skip the maximum in one year to double the increase later, for example in Oud-West or the Jordaan. The total increase over years may never exceed the compound maximum. Take 2023 with 2% and 2024 with 3.4%: the cumulation amounts to approximately 5.5%. Does a new increase exceed this in Amsterdam rental agreements? Challenge it with the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) or the district court (kantonrechter)! RVO calculates this via the rent index formula, while the Huurcommissie tool is essential for the liberalised sector in neighbourhoods such as De Pijp or Centrum. For housing associations such as Ymere or De Key, the DAB-limit also applies, strictly enforced by the Municipality of Amsterdam. Tenants in the city often see 'catch-up' increases due to the high pressure on the market; these are invalid without judicial approval. Demand transparency in the rent increase letter and rent history. In case of exceedance in Amsterdam: demand retroactive reduction, compensation for damages and possibly rent freeze. Keep your rent administration up to date via the Amsterdam Housing Advice Hour (Woonspreekuur) and compare annually with the national index. This protects against creeping price inflation in the tight Amsterdam market and safeguards the rights of long-term tenants in a city where rents are already sky-high.