There’s no denying the reality of the housing crisis in the Netherlands — but there is hope for those struggling to find a place, with landlords possibly no longer able to ask for crazy rental prices anymore.
In fact, landlords who charge too much rent for their homes could risk a fine of up to €90,000, starting from next year, reports RTL Nieuws.
The new points systems
Housing Minister Hugo de Jonge wants to help more people with middle incomes to find affordable rental housing.
For many people, especially in bigger cities, renting a place is simply not affordable anymore. According to De Jonge, many tenants pay the top price for a home that “is really not worth it”.
sorry idk you but i have to warn you there’s a severe housing crisis in the netherlands and it’s almost impossible to find an apartment 😭🫶
— aria ☾ ¹⁸⁶ (@faehrys) February 12, 2023
For this reason, De Jonge wants to use the WWS, the home valuation system, to determine the amount of rent.
The points system is now used to calculate rents in the social sector, but according to De Jonge’s plans, this will also include mid-rental homes, making rent cost a maximum of €1,000 a month.
Better protection
With this new proposal, tenants will be better protected. Municipalities will also soon be obliged to open a counter where residents can go with complaints about landlords.
READ MORE | 7 things the Dutch government is doing to tackle the Dutch housing crisis
If there is a mistake in adding up the points, the municipality can warn the landlord. However, landlords are looking at a hefty fine if they ask too much for a house that falls under protection.
For the first violation, it is €20,000, but if the landlord continues to violate the law, that can rise up to €90,000. 😳
Unfortunately, these changes will apply to new rental contacts, not existing ones — so start stashing moving boxes.
The House of Representatives is expected to discuss the next steps for this plan after the summer.
What do you think about this new law? Tell us in the comments below!
Also for the old contracts should be that law! Proces in Amsterdam are sky high!
Even the most rudimentary study of Economics shows that when something is in limited supply and the demand is high Prices Go Up. Unless, of course, you love Communism/Socialism and a controlled economy. Be careful what you wish for it may come true.
Yes, however the prices should still be reasonable and landlords should not be exploiting the situation. There is only as much as a person can pay to afford good living standard. Economy with no state control is open to abuse as well.