Rental properties fall under the Housing Evaluation System to determine whether you can rent free sector (liberalized) or rent controlled (non-liberalized). The system awards points based on various factors such as the location, energy label and size.

 

Liberalized Rental

The main advantage of a liberalized / free sector rental is a freely determined basic rental price. Other advantages would be:

  • The landlord would not need to adhere to the maximum rental price increase unless otherwise agreed in the rental agreement
  • The landlord can increase the rent every 12 months
  • Increase is possible after improvements to the rental property

Non-liberalized rental property would have the disadvantage of a regulated maximum basic rent. If rented above the regulated rent, a tenant can begin a case with the Huurcommissie within the first 6 months of the rental term. Previous excess rent would need to be refunded and future rent would be adjusted to a regulated rent when the Huurcommissie rules in favor of the tenant. The adjusted rent could be considerably less than the original rent and actual market value. You can find some more information about the point system on the website of the government .

New Rules: Adjustment of the housing valuation system

Until 1 July 2024, homes with a total score of 143 or lower could only be rented out as social housing. Above this point limit, the home could be rented out in the private sector and the requested rent was free.

As of 1 July 2024, the Affordable Rent Act has expanded the points system from 144 to 186 points (equal to €1,157.95 per month, price level 2024). This also restricts the rent of the so-called ‘middle segment’. In concrete terms, this means that homes with a total score of 144 to 186 points are also subject to a regulated rent. Does your home fall into that category? Then this will most likely have a major impact on the rental price of your home.

In addition to the expansion of the system, the points to be awarded have also been adjusted. For example, the energy label of the home is now more important. Homes will be awarded extra points for a high energy label in the new situation. For a low label, points are deducted. In addition, an outdoor area, for example, is given more weight in the awarding of points.

Have scoring carried out

De BeheerCompagnie is an independent property manager, specialized in the management of private rental properties. It is possible to have the scoring carried out by De BeheerCompagnie so that you can be sure whether you are free to determine the rental price or whether you are bound to a maximum rental price. They can also advise you on how to achieve a higher number of points, apply for permits, provide information about the energy label or take care of the administrative, financial or technical management of your rented home. You can also make a good estimate yourself with the Points Count Check for independent or non-independent living space (room).

Scoring Tips

Some factors would help in your quest for more points. To improve the energy label, you can think, for example, of insulating the roof or installing double glazing. You can find more info HERE (in Dutch)

To increase the point value of your home, you can make various adjustments. The length of the countertop can yield as many as 7 points when it is 2m or longer. You can also think of built-in appliances for your kitchen. For example, a built-in microwave, extractor hood, refrigerator and/or freezer. In the bathroom, points can also be won by placing a cabinet with built-in sink, a toilet cabinet with built-in lighting, a shaving wall socket or a thermostatic water mixer.

More information can be found on the website of Amsterdam.nl