Calculation of Income-Dependent Rent Increase in Utrecht: Step by Step

In Utrecht, where the rental market is under pressure due to the city's popularity and universities such as the UU and HU, an income-dependent rent increase is calculated based on your joint rental income according to the Tax Authorities. Landlords, often active in neighborhoods such as Kanaleneiland or Lombok, use income data from two years ago (e.g., 2022 for increases in 2024). The formula is: maximum increase = rent price × (income-dependent percentage × income index). For 2024, in the free sector, 5.3% applies for incomes above €47,699, with lower percentages for lower incomes – crucial for Utrecht residents in housing association properties. Step 1: Request your income statement via Mijn Belastingdienst. Step 2: Check if your Utrecht property falls under the scheme (rent price limit €808.06 for the free sector in 2024; note local housing associations such as Portaal or Bo-Ex). Step 3: Compare the proposed increase with the statutory maximum. Exceedance? File an objection with the Rent Committee in Utrecht (Kanaalweg 184). Important: only net rent counts, not service costs as common in Utrecht complexes. Landlords must submit proposals before 1 May. In case of decreasing income due to job loss in the city, you can apply for remission via the Municipality of Utrecht. This scheme protects middle incomes in a tense market, but be alert to errors in income data, especially for expats or student housing.