Maximum rent increases for 2026: 4.1% in the social rental sector, 6.1% for mid-range rentals, and 4.4% in the private rental sector

As of July 1, 2026, rent increases in the social rental sector are capped at 4.1%. For mid-range rentals, the maximum is set at 6.1% starting January 1, 2026, while for the private rental sector, it is 4.4%. The maximum rent increase is determined annually based on inflation or collective labor agreement (CAO) wage trends. Because different rules apply to the social, mid-range, and private rental sectors, the permitted rent increase varies by housing type. The purpose of this annual cap is to keep housing affordable across all sectors, while ensuring that landlords can continue to invest in new construction and the maintenance of existing properties.

 

Social rental sector: 4.1%
In the social rental sector, the rent increase takes effect on July 1, 2026. Until that date, the 5% cap that applied for 2025 remains in force. From July 1, 2026, the maximum rent increase will be calculated based on the average inflation over the preceding three years, with an additional 0.5% added. Between December 2022 and December 2025, the average inflation was 3.6%. Consequently, the maximum annual rent increase as of July 1, 2026, is 4.1%. This cap will remain in effect until July 1, 2027.

 

This maximum increase also applies to rooms, mobile homes, and residential pitches. For tenants of homes with a rent below €350, a rent increase of up to €25 may be applied instead of the maximum percentage-based increase. For higher-income tenants, a rent increase of up to €50 or €100 may be charged, depending on income; this replaces the maximum percentage-based increase.

These adjusted rules are being enshrined in law. The aim is to make rent increases in the social housing sector more predictable and less volatile from year to year. This gives tenants greater certainty about their costs and provides housing associations with more stable revenue. As a result, housing remains affordable, and associations can continue to invest in new construction and home improvements.

 

Mid-market rent: 6.1%
In the mid-market rental sector, the law stipulates that rent may increase by a maximum of the collective labor agreement (CLA) wage growth plus 1%. Because wage growth has outpaced inflation this year, rents in the mid-market segment may rise more than those in the private sector. Between December 2024 and December 2025, CLA wage growth was 5.1%. Landlords are permitted to add 1% to this figure. Consequently, the maximum rent increase for 2026 is 6.1%.

 

Private sector: 4.4%
In the private sector, the law dictates that rent increases may be based on either inflation or CLA wage growth. The lower of the two percentages is used, and the landlord may add 1% to that figure. From December 2024 to December 2025, the average inflation rate was 3.4%, which is lower than the 5.1% growth in wages. With an additional 1% added, the maximum rent increase comes to 4.4%. This maximum increase applies to all independent dwellings in the private rental sector—such as single-family homes, studios, and apartments—as well as to moorings for houseboats.

 

Lower rent increases are possible
The percentages mentioned above are maximums. Tenants cannot be subjected to a rent increase higher than these, though they may receive a lower increase or see their rent remain unchanged. In the social rental sector, the landlord submits a proposal for a rent increase; this proposal may be lower than the maximum. The actual rent increase paid by a tenant in the mid-range or private rental sector depends on the terms of their rental agreement. If a lower increase was agreed upon in the contract, that lower percentage applies. If the contract specifies a higher increase, the rent may still never exceed the maximum permitted annual percentage. This remains true even if a higher increase was previously agreed upon—for instance, in exchange for sustainability improvements to the property. Furthermore, rent may be increased no more than once per year.

Source: www.rijksoverheid.nl