Point System for Rental Housing in Utrecht: Criteria and Examples

The point system for rental housing in Utrecht follows the national criteria of the Huurcommissie, but with specific attention to the urban dynamics of the Domstad. Each property receives points based on objective factors such as size, location, age, and amenities. Size weighs heavily: a living area of 60 m² yields 40 base points, plus bonus points for extra rooms or balconies. Location is key in Utrecht; a property in the bustling center around the Oudegracht or Neude scores with a multiplier up to 1.2, while outskirts such as Overvecht score lower due to their quieter location. Age counts via the energy index: properties with WOZ-label A or B, typically in new developments around Utrecht Science Park, add 10-20 points due to superior insulation. Amenities stack up, such as an elevator (5 points), private garden (8 points), or parking space (3 points), essential in the cycling city of Utrecht. Use the official tool of the Huurcommissie to calculate your points. Example: a 70 m² apartment in Utrecht center with central heating, elevator, and balcony reaches 152 points, corresponding to approximately €680 monthly rent. Tenants in Utrecht can verify this upon contract signing via the Huurpunt Utrecht. Errors result in rent price adjustment within 6 months. Housing associations such as Portaal or Bo-Ex must revise annually. This system ensures transparency in the tight Utrecht rental market and prevents arbitrariness in social rental housing.