What is Rent Allowance?
Rent allowance is a government contribution to ease rent costs. It supports people with limited income who rent a home within a set rent limit. The Tax Authorities pay out this allowance monthly.
Conditions for Rent Allowance 2024
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old (or younger with a child) |
| Rent Amount | Between €188.58 and €879.66 per month |
| Income | Below the income limit (varies per situation) |
| Assets | Maximum €36,952 (single) or €73,904 (together) |
| Lease Agreement | Registered in your name |
| Registration | Registered at the rental address |
How Do I Apply for Rent Allowance?
- Visit the Mijn Toeslagen website at belastingdienst.nl
- Log in with your DigiD
- Fill in the required information (income, rent price, housemates)
- Submit your application
- Receive confirmation of the approval
Amount of Rent Allowance
How Is This Calculated?
The amount is determined by:
- The rent price (up to a fixed maximum)
- Your income and that of any partner
- Your age
- Whether you live alone or with others
Make an estimate with the calculation tool on toeslagen.nl.
Report Changes
Report adjustments immediately, such as:
- A move
- Changes in income
- Starting to live together or ending a relationship
- Change in rent amount
Avoid Repayment
To avoid repayment:
- Report changes immediately
- Check your details every year
- Review the final calculation carefully
Can I get rent allowance for subletting?
No, only with a lease agreement in your own name.
Does rent allowance count towards other allowances?
No, it is not considered income.
Can I apply for rent allowance retroactively?
Yes, up to 5 years back, provided you met the requirements at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rent Allowance in Utrecht
What are my tenant rights?
As a tenant in Utrecht, you are entitled to a safe home, protection against unjustified rent increases, and the option to take action if the home is uninhabitable.
May a landlord increase the rent arbitrarily?
No, rent increases must comply with statutory rules. The landlord must announce this in writing at least two months in advance and may not exceed the permitted limit.
What happens to my deposit?
The landlord must keep the deposit in an account and refund it within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, unless damage has been found.
How do I terminate my tenancy?
You can terminate the tenancy according to the notice period in your contract, usually in writing and observing the notice period.
What if my rental property has defects?
Write to the landlord with a request for repair. If no action follows, you can arrange the repair yourself and offset the costs against the rent.
Local Information Utrecht
For legal support in Utrecht, you can go to:
- District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht