Is your rent also too high?

Rents are subject to strict rules and landlords are not allowed to simply ask whatever they want. In this blog we briefly explain what you can do if the rent is too high! The rules for independent homes and non-self-contained homes are different. We will first discuss the independent living space and then the non-self-contained living space.

Independent living space (Own access, own kitchen and own toilet)

For independent living spaces, you can always have the rent assessed by the Rent Assessment Committee in the first six months. The Rent Assessment Committee will then check whether the rent you pay is reasonable. If the rental price is too high, the rental price will be reduced to the maximum rental price. The reduction takes effect from the start of the rental contract. This means that if you paid too much rent, you will get your rent back!

In some cases you can also have your rental price assessed after six months from the start date of the contract. This is the case if there was previously a fixed-term contract, shorter than two years, which was subsequently extended. You can then have your rental price assessed up to six months after the end of the fixed period.

After the first six months (or after the first six months after the fixed period) a distinction is made between two contracts. If the basic rent at the start of the contract was higher than € 710.68, this is a liberalized rental contract. The rental price can then no longer be assessed.

If the basic rent at the start of the contract was lower than € 710.68, a rent that is too high can be reduced. You must first send a proposal to the landlord to reduce your rent. You must give the landlord two full months to reflect before the reduction can take effect. If the reduction is to take effect on July 1, you must ensure that the landlord receives the proposal before May 1. You must also include a score for the living space with the proposal, from which it follows that the rent is too high. An example of how to make a reduction proposal can be found here. You can find the required points count for your living space here find.

If your landlord does not agree with your reduction proposal or if the landlord does not respond, you can submit your proposal to the Rental Committee. The Rental Committee makes a binding decision on your proposal and on the amount of the rent. The tenant and the landlord must adhere to the ruling.

Independent living space (Shared access, kitchen or toilet)

You can always have the rent assessed for non-self-contained living spaces. Within the first six months, a rent that is too high can even be reduced retroactively. With rental contracts with a fixed period, it is sometimes possible to have the rent reduced retroactively within six months after the fixed period.

After the first six months (or after the first six months after the specified time), if the rent is too high, the rent can still be reduced. The reduction will then not apply retroactively. The way in which the rent can be reduced is the same as for independent living space. If your landlord does not agree with your proposal or does not respond, you can submit the proposal to the Rental Committee. An example of how to make a reduction proposal can be found here. You can find the required points count for your living space here find.

Already moved?

To reduce your rent, it is required that you still live in the accommodation. If you have already moved, Bumarang’s services may be the solution for you. Bumarang looks at old rental contracts and offers an immediate refund based on this! Would you like to see how much you can get back from Bumarang, or do you have questions or comments? You can always contact us without obligation. We are happy to assist you.