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Rent Increase CPI Limit Utrecht: What You Need to Know

Discover the CPI limit for rent increases in Utrecht: max. CPI +1% (temporarily 3.5%). Rights, examples and help via Juridisch Loket Utrecht.

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Rent Increase CPI Limit in Utrecht: What You Need to Know

The **rent increase CPI limit** in Utrecht determines the maximum annual rent increase by your landlord. Since 2015, a statutory limit applies based on the **Consumer Price Index (CPI)**. Discover how this works in Utrecht, your rights and steps in case of violation.

What does the CPI limit mean for rent increases in Utrecht?

In Utrecht, just like in the rest of the Netherlands, the **CPI limit** restricts the rent increase to the inflation increase according to the **Consumer Price Index (CPI)**, published by the **Statistics Netherlands (CBS)**. The increase may not exceed the CPI increase from the previous year plus 1 percentage point.

This applies to **regulated rental properties** in Utrecht, but not to:

  • Private sector dwellings (market-conform rent)
  • Commercial spaces
  • Short-term rental agreements (< 1 year)
  • Social housing with fixed prices via housing associations

Due to the high housing pressure in Utrecht, a **temporary cap** of maximum 3.5% rent increase has applied since 2023, to relieve tenants.

Legal basis of the CPI limit

The rules are set out in the **Rent Increase in Residential Tenancies Act (WHW)** and **Maximum Rent Increase Act (WMHH)**. Key provisions:

  • Article 7:139 DCC: General rent increase conditions.
  • Article 7:140 DCC: Limit on CPI + 1%; temporarily adjusted since 2023.
  • Maximum Rent Increase Decree (BMHH): Annual percentage.

CBS publishes CPI in January. For Utrecht tenants: with 5% CPI increase in 2023, max. 6% increase in 2024, but limited to 3.5% in 2023. **District Court Midden-Nederland** (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht) handles disputes.

Tip for Utrecht: Contract clauses above the limit are invalid.

CPI limit in practice for Utrecht tenants

Example: You rent in Utrecht for €1,150 per month. With 5% CPI increase 2023:

  • Normal: 5% + 1% = 6%.
  • Temporary 2023: max. 3.5%.

New rent: €1,150 + (€1,150 × 0.035) = €1,190.25. Higher demands? Unlawful.

Timing and procedure

Landlord must:

  1. Warn in writing at least 1 month in advance** (art. 7:139 DCC).
  2. Quote CPI from CBS.
  3. Respect the limit.

Content of rent increase letter

Must contain:

  • New rent price.
  • Used CPI.
  • Effective date.
  • Statutory reference (art. 7:140 DCC).

Dear tenant,
From 1 January 2025, we are increasing your Utrecht rent from €1,150 to €1,190.25 based on CPI (art. 7:140 DCC).

Your rights and help in Utrecht

In case of violation: refuse payment and go to **Juridisch Loket Utrecht** (Catharijnesingel 55) for free advice. In case of escalation: **District Court Midden-Nederland**, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1.

Action plan:

  1. Check letter for legality.
  2. Respond in writing in case of errors.
  3. Seek help from Loket or Huurteam Utrecht.

Frequently asked questions about CPI limit in Utrecht

  • Can landlord increase multiple times? No, max. 1x per year.
  • Does this apply to student housings? Yes, for regulated rent.
  • What if I have rent allowance? Limit still applies.