Rent Price Point System: how it works
The **rent price point system** is a method by which the maximum rent price of social housing is determined. This system ensures that tenants can afford to rent a home, while housing associations can cover their costs. The point system is based on various characteristics of the property, such as size, location and facilities. In this article, we explain how the system works, what rights and obligations you have and what you can do if you doubt your rent price.
What is the rent price point system?
The rent price point system is a **legally established system** that determines what rent price a housing association may charge for social housing. The system is laid down in the **Maximum Rent Act** and the associated **General Local Ordinance (APV)**. The rent price is calculated based on points awarded for different characteristics of the property, such as:
- Size (number of rooms, floor area)
- Location (city, village, rural area)
- Age (new build versus older properties)
- Facilities (central heating, insulation, lift)
- Type of property (apartment, terraced house, detached house)
Each characteristic receives a certain number of points. The total score is then converted into a maximum rent price. This system ensures that comparable properties in the same region have approximately the same rent price.
Legal basis
The rent price point system is laid down in:
- The **Maximum Rent Act (Wmh)**, which regulates what rent price a housing association may charge for social housing.
- The **General Local Ordinance (APV)**, which contains specific rules for your municipality or region. This ordinance determines how points are awarded and what maximum rent price per point applies.
The **Rent Allowance Act** also plays a role, because the amount of rent allowance depends on the maximum rent price of your property.
Example of the point system
Suppose you live in a **3-room apartment** in a **city** with central heating and a **lift**. The points could be awarded as follows, for example:
| Characteristic | Number of points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Size (3 rooms) | 40 | Apartment with 3 rooms |
| Location (city) | 30 | Central location in the city |
| Central heating | 10 | Modern heating |
| Lift | 15 | Convenience for residents |
| Total | 95 | Total number of points |
If the maximum rent price per point in your municipality is **€12.50**, then the maximum rent price for your apartment is: 95 points × €12.50 = €1,187.50 per month (excluding service charges).
Rights and obligations under the rent price point system
As a tenant of social housing, you have certain **rights** and **obligations** with regard to the rent price point system.
Rights of the tenant
- Right to a transparent rent price calculation: The housing association must be able to explain how the rent price has been calculated. Request an overview of the points awarded to your property.
- Right to file a complaint: If you think the rent price is too high, you can file a complaint with the **Rent Tribunal**. This body checks whether the rent price complies with the point system.
- Right to rent allowance: If your rent price falls within the limits of the point system, you may be entitled to rent allowance. Check this via the Toeslagen.nl website.
Obligations of the tenant
- Pay rent within the set period: You are obliged to pay the rent price on time, as agreed in your tenancy agreement.
- Maintain the property well: If the housing association makes changes that affect the point value ```