Terug naar Encyclopedie
Huurrecht

Bare vs total rent in housing allowance

For your **housing allowance** in Tilburg, it is crucial to know whether the **bare rent** or **total rent** counts. This determines your allowance amount. Discover the rules and steps for too low allowance.

3 min leestijd

Bare rent vs. total rent in housing allowance calculation

When applying for or calculating **housing allowance** in Tilburg, the **rent** is decisive. The **bare rent** and **total rent** often cause confusion. Depending on your tenancy agreement and SVB rules, it is determined which price applies. This article clarifies the difference, the calculation method, and actions for too low allowance in Tilburg.

What is the difference between bare rent and total rent?

Bare rent concerns the **basic rent amount** for the accommodation itself, excluding service charges, utilities such as gas, water and electricity, or administration costs. This is purely listed as **rent** in your contract.

Total rent includes the **full monthly amount**, including service charges, mandatory utility bills and other contract-related expenses. Also called **gross rent**.

The **SVB** uses these definitions to determine your allowance. Usually, the **bare rent** prevails, with exceptions for specific contracts.

Legal basis: which rent counts for housing allowance in Tilburg?

The rules are set out in the Work and Assistance Act (Wwb) and General Act on Special Assistance (Awbb). The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) implements this.

SVB rules in Tilburg:

  • **Bare rent** applies as standard, unless the contract integrates service charges.
  • If additional costs are included in the rent, the **total rent** may count.
  • From 2023: **rent threshold** € 741.66 (single-person household) for bare rent. Upper limit restricts or excludes allowance.

View SVB guidelines: housing allowance calculation SVB.

Practical examples: bare vs. total rent in Tilburg

Two examples for Tilburg situations.

Example 1: Only bare rent

Situation: Apartment in Tilburg for € 800/month, no extra costs in contract.

Bare rent: € 800

Total rent: € 800

Allowance: SVB takes € 800. Above € 741.66 threshold: possibly no or lower allowance with appropriate income.

Example 2: With service charges

Situation: Accommodation in Tilburg € 650 bare rent + € 150 service charges (including water/gas), total € 800.

Bare rent: € 650 (below threshold)

Total rent: € 800

Allowance: If service charges are part of the rent, € 800 may apply. Check contract and SVB.

What to do if housing allowance is too low in Tilburg?

Step 1: Check your tenancy agreement for bare vs. total specification.

Step 2: Log in to Mijn SVB or call SVB (0800-1925).

Step 3: For objection: submit within 6 weeks via SVB portal.

Help in Tilburg

  • District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant: Wilhelminapark 100, Tilburg. Location for rent disputes.
  • Juridisch Loket Tilburg: Spoorlaan 364. Free advice on housing allowance and contracts. Call 0900-8020 or make an appointment.

Last updated: 2023. Check current SVB thresholds and rules.