Rent increase in the private sector in 2026 – All rules at a glance

Many tenants in the private sector think the same thing. "My landlord can raise the rent whenever he wants." That used to be partly true. But the rules have changed in recent years. Even in the private sector, there's now a maximum rent increase. Landlords can't simply add any amount to the rent every year.

In practice, this still happens regularly. And many tenants don't know they can do anything about it.

What is private sector rental?

A home falls into the private sector when the rent at the start of the contract is above liberalization limit These properties used to be much more lenient. Previously, far fewer regulations applied to them. Landlords largely had control over how much rent was charged and how quickly it could increase. But because rents have risen dramatically in recent years, the government has intervened.

For a number of years now, a maximum for annual rent increases.

Maximum rent increase in the private sector in 2026

For 2026 the maximum rent increase in the private sector is around 4,4 percentThis percentage is calculated based on inflation plus a 1 percent surcharge. This means that landlords cannot simply increase the rent by, for example, 10 percent. For example, if your rent is €1500 per month, it may increase by a maximum of approximately €66. Did you know that as a tenant, you can determine the rent yourself? Rent committee Do you need to take steps in the private sector? For mid-market and social housing, the landlord must do so after you have filed an objection.

What does the rental agreement state?

Many private sector rental agreements include a clause regarding annual rent increases. This often states something like: "The rent will be increased annually by inflation plus a surcharge."

But an important rule also applies here: the rent increase may never be higher than the legal maximum set by the governmentEven if the contract specifies a higher percentage, the landlord may not simply apply it.

When is a rent increase invalid?

A number of basic rules also apply in the private sector. Rent can generally only be increased once a year. Furthermore, the landlord must announce the rent increase at least two months in advance.

A rent increase may be invalid if:

-the announcement was not made in writing
-the rent is increased more than once a year (this is allowed if renovations have been carried out, the tenant must agree to this)
-the percentage is higher than legally permitted

In such situations you can object.

Many private sector homes are not actually private sector

A problem that is becoming increasingly common is that homes are rented out as private sector properties, while they should actually be regulated according to the points system. This occurs particularly in:

-studios
-small apartments
-old social housing
-homes with little living space

If a property actually qualifies as social housing or mid-range rental according to the points system, the rent may be far too high. In some cases, tenants pay 200 to 500 euros per month too muchThat is why you can contact Huurteam Nederland initiate a procedure for rent reduction if the points system allows it.

What can you do if you think your rent is too high?

Are you unsure about your rent or a rent increase? It's wise to check a few things first.

-Does the rent increase remain within the legal maximum?
-Is the rent increased only once a year?

In addition, it may be wise to check whether your home is in accordance with the point system might actually fall into a different category.

Have your rental contract checked for free

Many tenants think there's little protection in the private sector. But that's not true.

In many cases, it turns out that the rent is actually incorrect or that a rent increase is not done according to the rules. Therefore, it may be wise to have the rental agreement and rental price checkedThis way you can find out if your rent is too high and whether you might be entitled to a rent reduction. Many tenants only discover after such an inspection that they paying too much rent for years.

That is why, as a tenant, you can have your rental contract assessed for free to see whether your rent is correct.

Also read this important information for tenants:
Landlord refuses to refund deposit: what can you do as a tenant?
Terminating a rental contract by the landlord: these are your rights
What are service charges for a rental property?
Rent increase rules and tips
Rent too high? Here's how to check if you're paying too much rent.
Rent point system: how does the maximum rent work?
Mold in your rental property: what can you do as a tenant?
Deferred maintenance in a rental property: what are your rights?
Applying for a rent reduction: when are you entitled to one?
Am I paying too much rent? How to check your rent