Maximum Rent Increase Rules After Liberalisation in Tilburg

In Tilburg's free sector after liberalisation, no statutory maxima apply to rent increases; parties negotiate freely, often annually with CPI +2-3%, fitting the growing rental market in Central Brabant. Social rent remains limited to inflation (3.3% in 2024) plus housing improvements. Transitional rules: first liberalisation year max. 5% for sitting tenants, with scale 1st year 4%, 2nd year 5%, thereafter free. Good Landlordship Act (2019) prohibits unreasonable increases; Rent Tribunal assesses reasonableness upon complaint. Indexation follows CBS inflation. Tenants approve rent increase proposal; tacit consent after 2 months. Disputes settled via district court in Tilburg. Local practice: free sector sees 6-9% increases due to demand for starter homes near Tilburg University and station, but less extreme than Randstad. Municipality of Tilburg promotes affordable rent via performance agreements with housing associations such as WonenBreburg. Advice: include fixed rental periods in contract, especially in neighbourhoods like Oud-Zuid or Het Zand. Fiscal impact: higher rent reduces mortgage interest deduction. National government model letters available; corona period had temporary caps. Future: EU directive on affordable rent may impose limits, while Tilburg's vacancy rate (around 4%) keeps pressure on prices. This clearly separates Tilburg's sectors. (198 words)