Income-dependent rent increase: rules and explanation
An **income-dependent rent increase** adjusts the rent based on income development. This protects lower incomes in Tilburg against excessive increases. Established since 2015 in the Rent Increase Decree. Here you can read about its operation, rules, and rights in the Rechtbank Zeeland-West-Brabant region.
What does income-dependent rent increase entail?
The landlord may only increase the rent if your joint household income has increased. This applies to private sector and subsidized rental properties in Tilburg, not to social housing via housing associations or owner-occupied homes. The increase is based on the Rent Income Index from the CBS, limited to your personal income growth.
Legal basis: relevant laws
The rules are set out in:
- Article 7:209a CC: Limit on private sector increases.
- Rent Increase Decree 2023: Exact method and percentages.
- Rent Income Index (CBS): Measure for maximum increase.
NB: No application to social housing, long-term contracts (>10 years) or temporary rentals such as student rooms in Tilburg. In case of disputes: Rechtbank Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100. Advice via Juridisch Loket Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364.
Calculation of rent increase
Three core factors:
- Rent Income Index: For example, 3.5% in 2024 (check CBS).
- Your income increase: Maximum equal to that if higher than index.
- Statutory cap: Not above 100% index, unless own income grew faster.
Example:
| Situation | Current rent | Index | Income increase | Max. increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income +2% | €1,200 | 3.5% | 2% | €24 (2%) |
| Income +5% | €1,200 | 3.5% | 5% | €60 (5%) |
| Income unchanged | €1,200 | 3.5% | 0% | None |