Rent allowance is a financial contribution from the government to reduce your rent costs. Whether you qualify is determined by factors such as income, assets, rent amount, and the composition of your household.
What is rent allowance?
Rent allowance is a monthly subsidy for people with a limited income who rent. The aim is to make housing affordable. The payment is handled by the Tax Authorities.
Conditions for rent allowance in 2024
- You are at least 18 years old
- You rent an independent dwelling
- You are registered at the residential address
- The basic rent is between € 188.94 and € 879.66 per month
- Your income and assets do not exceed the limits
- You have Dutch nationality or a valid residence status
Income limits 2024
| Type of household | Maximum permitted income |
|---|---|
| Single person | € 25,725 |
| Multi-person household | € 35,200 (jointly) |
If your income exceeds these limits, you may receive less or no allowance.
Asset limits 2024
| Situation | Maximum assets |
|---|---|
| Single person | € 33,748 |
| With partner | € 67,496 (total) |
How much rent allowance do you receive?
The amount you receive depends on:
- The basic rent of your dwelling
- Your total income
- The composition of your household
Calculate the exact amount via the Tax Authorities website.
Frequently asked questions about rent allowance
What does basic rent mean?
Basic rent is the rent amount excluding service costs. Only this amount is taken into account for the calculation of rent allowance.
Can I get allowance for a private rental property?
Yes, rent allowance is also possible for private rentals, as long as you meet the stated requirements.
When is rent allowance paid out?
The allowance is usually paid out around the 20th of the month as an advance.
Practical questions about rent allowance in Utrecht
How can I apply for rent allowance?
Apply for rent allowance via the Tax Authorities website with your DigiD. Enter details about your rental agreement, income, and household. After approval, you will receive a monthly advance. This process takes on average 5 to 8 weeks. Have documents such as your rental agreement and income proofs ready.
What if my situation changes?
Changes in income, rent, or household must be reported immediately via 'My Allowances' at the Tax Authorities. Do this within 4 weeks to prevent issues such as repayment. You can calculate in advance what the impact of a change will be.
Can students in Utrecht get rent allowance?
Yes, students may qualify, provided they rent an independent dwelling and meet the income and rent conditions. Student finance is counted as income. Living with parents or in a room usually does not entitle you to allowance.
Rent allowance for a shared dwelling?
In a shared dwelling, only the main tenant can apply for allowance. The rental agreement must be in their name, and the incomes of all co-residents are taken into account. Make clear arrangements about the division of the allowance.
What to do if my application is rejected?
If rejected, you will receive a letter with an explanation. You can file an objection with the Tax Authorities within 6 weeks. Check your details and possibly seek advice from the Legal Counter Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55. Bring supporting documents, such as rental agreements.
Retroactive effect for rent allowance?
You can apply for allowance for a maximum of 3 months retroactively, provided you already met the conditions at that time. Submit your application quickly and ensure you have supporting documents such as bank statements and agreements.
How are assets checked?
The Tax Authorities assess your assets as of 1 January of the relevant year. Savings, investments, and additional properties are included, while debts are deducted.
Legal assistance in Utrecht
For questions or disputes about rent allowance, you can go to the Legal Counter Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55. In addition, the District Court of Central Netherlands, located at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, handles cases regarding allowances and rent issues.