The Dutch rental market changed significantly with the Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur), in force since 1 July 2024. For tenants, this means more protection and more opportunities to make sure they pay a fair price.
What is the WWS exactly?
The Woningwaarderingstelsel (WWS) is a points-based system that assigns a value to a rental home based on its characteristics: living area, the kitchen and bathroom, energy performance, outdoor space and the official WOZ value.
Key changes
- Mid-rent regulation: Previously, only social housing was strictly regulated. Now homes up to 186 points fall under a legal maximum rent, for contracts from 1 July 2024.
- Energy performance matters more: Poor energy labels (E, F, G) lead to fewer points, which lowers the maximum rent.
- Mandatory point count: Since 2025 landlords must tell new tenants the point count of the home at the start of the lease.
Why should you check your points?
If your home scores below the free-sector threshold (187 points), your landlord may not charge more than the rent that belongs to those points. If you pay more, you may be entitled to a rent reduction.
Estimate your points with our free calculator.