Rent Price Liberalisation Threshold: what does this mean?
The rent price liberalisation threshold is an important threshold in Dutch tenancy law that determines whether your dwelling in Tilburg falls under rent regulation or is in the private sector. Since 2021, this threshold has been increased, meaning more rental dwellings in Tilburg and surrounding areas no longer fall under social rent rules. Discover what this means for your rent price and rights as a tenant.
What exactly is the rent price liberalisation threshold?
The rent price liberalisation threshold indicates whether a dwelling in Tilburg is considered a social rental dwelling or a private sector dwelling. Does the bare rent price fall below this threshold? Then strict rules apply such as the points system (see our article on the points system in Tilburg), maximum rent increases and good protection. Above the threshold, the landlord may freely determine the rent price.
Legal basis in Tilburg
The rules are laid down in:
- Housing Allowance Act (article 1, paragraph 2, sub a): sets the threshold for social rent.
- Maximum Rent Increase Act: limits rent increases for regulated rent in Tilburg.
- Housing Act: divides rental dwellings into categories, relevant for the Tilburg market.
Current threshold values Tilburg (2024)
The threshold has been significantly increased since 2021. For 2024 in Tilburg:
- € 759.17 per month bare rent for a standard dwelling (around 70m², 2 bedrooms).
- Note: local factors such as the Tilburg rental market may have an influence.
Crucial for Tilburg tenants: Is your rent higher than €759.17? Then you fall into the private sector. No points system, no maximum increases and less protection. Free Loket Tilburg at Spoorlaan 364 for free advice.
How is the liberalisation threshold in Tilburg calculated?
Annually, the Statistics Netherlands (CBS) adjusts the threshold, based on:
- The national rent price index.
- Average rent prices in regions such as Midden-Brabant.
Social rent versus private sector in Tilburg
| Social rent (Tilburg) | Private sector (Tilburg) |
|---|---|
| Rent < €759.17 (bare rent). | Rent > €759.17. |
| Max. increase 3-5% (2024). | Fully free price by landlord. |
| Full housing allowance possible. | Limited housing allowance (income-dependent). |
| Strong protection on increase. | No statutory limit on increase. |
| Points system applies on inspection. | No points system, free price. |
What does this mean concretely for tenants in Tilburg?
Check whether your dwelling is regulated by means of:
- Rent level: Below €759.17? Then social rent.
- Dwelling type: Apartments in Tilburg-West or -Noord often regulated.
- Contract date: Older contracts may still fall under old rules.
Practical examples from Tilburg
Example 1: Social rent in Tilburg
You rent an apartment on Spoorlaan for €720/month. Below the threshold, so:
- Max. rent increase 3% (2024).
- Points system on inspection via Rent Tribunal.
- Full housing allowance possible.
New dwelling in the Reeshof for €850/month. Above the threshold:
- Landlord freely determines rent and increase.
- No points system, less protection.
- Check housing allowance via Tax Authorities.
Need help in Tilburg?
- Juridisch Loket Tilburg: Spoorlaan 364 (free advice).
- District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant: Wilhelminapark 100.
- Rent Tribunal for points calculation and increase checks.