Indexation and Rent Increases for Tenants in the Netherlands
Indexation is the annual adjustment of the rent to inflation or an agreed price index. As a tenant in the Netherlands it is important to know when and how your landlord may increase the rent, what legal limits apply and what steps you can take if you disagree. Many contracts contain an indexation clause, but not all increases are automatically allowed: there are formal notifications and often a maximum annual cap. This article explains in plain language what indexation means, how to check whether an increase is correct, when you can object and which bodies, such as the Rent Tribunal and government sites, quickly provide practical advice and forms.
What is indexation?
Indexation is a contractual or statutory method to adjust the rent to price developments, usually linked to a consumer price index. In practice, the rental agreement often contains an indexation clause; without a clause annual indexation cannot simply take place according to Book 7 of the Civil Code.[1]
When can the rent be increased?
A landlord must inform in writing about a proposed rent increase and take into account legal deadlines and any annual caps. Social rental agreements and free-sector rents have different rules; check your contract and the legal framework before you pay.
- The landlord sends a written notification with date and amount (notice).
- Only pay the increased rent after you are sure the increase has been calculated correctly (rent).
- Keep evidence of past payments and communications such as photos and bank statements (evidence).
What can you do with an incorrect increase?
If you doubt the correctness of a rent increase, respond in writing and ask for a breakdown of the calculation. In many cases you can file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or, as a last resort, go to the subdistrict court; the Rent Tribunal often handles disputes about reasonable rent and service charges.[2]
- First contact your landlord to ask for explanation and a calculation (call).
- Submit an objection or application to the Rent Tribunal if there is uncertainty or unreasonableness (form).
- Consider legal action through the subdistrict court if mediation does not help (court).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the landlord index every year?
- Not automatically; indexation often must be in the contract and may not conflict with the legal rules in Book 7 of the Civil Code.[1]
- How do I object to a rent increase?
- Start with a written objection to the landlord and ask for clarification; if disagreement persists you can file an application with the Rent Tribunal.[2]
- Where can I find official information and forms?
- Official information and forms are available on wetten.overheid.nl and on the Rent Tribunal's website; government.nl also provides general support.[1]
How-To / Step-by-step
- Check your rental agreement for an indexation clause and note the conditions (form).
- Calculate whether the increase is correct yourself and gather evidence such as payment receipts and letters (evidence).
- Contact your landlord and try to resolve the issue through discussion first (call).
- If disagreement remains, file an application with the Rent Tribunal or seek legal assistance (form).
