Historical Increases in the Liberalisation Threshold in Utre

The rent price liberalisation threshold has been raised multiple times since 1990 to reduce the social rental sector in Utrecht. Started at €600 (1990), rose to €712.50 (2013), €752.33 (2021) and €808.06 (2024). These adjustments, introduced by cabinets such as Rutte-II and III, respond to the acute housing shortage in Utrecht, where housing associations such as Portaal and Bo-Ex are under pressure due to long waiting lists for social rent. Objective: create more mid-segment rental housing in neighbourhoods such as Kanaleneiland and Overvecht, and relieve housing associations so they can focus on low incomes. Political debate in the Utrecht city council rages over gentrification; critics fear displacement of middle incomes from city centres and popular neighbourhoods such as Lombok. Legally enshrined in the Housing Act and annually indexed with inflation plus a correction factor. Between 2015-2020 the threshold remained stable at €711, but the Affordable Rent Act (2021) brought a significant increase. Consequence: approximately 12% of Utrecht rental properties were liberalised, especially in the inner city and surrounding municipalities such as Nieuwegein. Tenants with long-term contracts from the 'pre-liberalisation' period often retain old rules via transitional law, as confirmed by the Rent Tribunal in Utrecht cases. Landlords must respect the threshold for new contracts. Future: possible further increase in 2025 due to nitrogen and climate policy, with impact on Utrecht new construction projects. Sources: State Gazette, Rent Tribunal reports and Municipality of Utrecht data provide detailed tables. This insight aids strategic rent price determination in the Domstad. (248 words)