Rolling WWS-maximum in Utrecht: cumulative effects over multiple years

In Utrecht, the WWS-maximum does not apply only per year, but rolls over cumulatively across multiple years, as laid down in Article 7:901 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Landlords in the Utrecht city centre or Kanaleneiland may not skip the maximum in one year to double-rent later, for example in Lombok or Overvecht. The total increase over the years may never exceed the compound maximum. Take 2023 with 2% and 2024 with 3.4%: the cumulation amounts to approximately 5.5%. Does a new increase exceed this in your Utrecht rental property? Challenge it with the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) or the court! The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) calculates this via the rent index formula, while the Huurcommissie tool is essential for the unregulated sector in Utrecht. For housing associations such as Portaal or Bo-Ex, the DAB-limit applies strictly. Utrecht tenants often report 'catch-up' increases following the student influx; these are invalid without judicial review. Demand detailed transparency in the rent increase letter. In case of exceedance in Utrecht, you can demand retroactive reduction plus compensation for stealth price inflation. Keep a rent history via the Utrecht Housing Consultation (Utrechtse Woonoverleg) and compare annually with the local Rent Price Market Monitor. This way, you protect yourself as a long-term tenant against excesses in the tight Utrecht market.