Rent increases in Tilburg are subject to the strict rules of the Good Landlordship Act. A clause permitting automatic annual increases above the statutory index without the tenant's consent is void (Article 7:247 of the Dutch Civil Code). The maximum increase follows the rent index published by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and may not exceed inflation plus 1% in Tilburg in the case of liberalised housing, taking local housing market pressures into account.
For social housing in districts such as Oud-Zuid or Het Zand, the Rent Assessment Committee must assess the increase. Void stipulations, such as 'rent follows Tilburg market developments,' are disregarded; only the statutory increase applies. Tenants in Tilburg may lodge an objection within six weeks of notification to the landlord or via the Tilburg Housing Desk. Evidence of overpayment, often found in older contracts in the Reeshof area, results in reimbursement with 6% interest.
Judges at the Oost-Brabant District Court regularly annul clauses that link service charges to rent increases in Tilburg. Landlords must request written consent for deviations. In the event of voidance, the rent remains at the previous level until a new agreement is reached. Local organisations such as Huurteam Tilburg and Woonbond Brabant assist with calculations and tailored advice for Tilburg tenants. Check your contract annually via the Municipal Office or online portal to avoid surprises and file claims with the subdistrict court in Tilburg.