The government plans to increase monthly rents by 50 to 100 euros for higher-income tenants living in social housing (scheefwoners), according to a letter to the House of Representatives from Housing Minister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan. Although housing associations are already permitted to charge higher rents to tenants whose incomes exceed social housing limits, they do not always do so.
The letter noted that housing associations often refrain from raising rents because tenants struggle to find suitable alternative housing. However, under new legislation scheduled for online public consultation early next year, housing associations will be required to apply these rent increases. Where applicable, rents will rise annually until reaching the property’s maximum allowable price.
The minister also intends to introduce a wealth test for prospective social housing applicants. Currently, eligibility is determined solely by income. The proposed policy aims to prevent individuals with significant assets from securing social housing, or to require them to pay higher rents.
The government is further investigating whether rents for existing tenants can be increased based on personal wealth. Additionally, Boekholt-O’Sullivan plans to discuss with housing associations whether property ownership should factor into social housing eligibility. The minister cited previous research showing that nearly 11,000 social housing tenants also own a home.
A spokesperson for the minister stated that no implementation date has been set. The timeline will depend on the upcoming public consultation, which will allow tenants, landlords, and other stakeholders to share their views on the proposal.
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