Today the House of Representatives is discussing the Affordable Rent Act. The responsible minister, Hugo de Jonge, wants to limit rental prices in the private sector. It appears that with the support of the PVV, a parliamentary majority will support the law. But why is the law necessary and what is the objection of its opponents? Political reporter Roel Schreinemachers explains.
What problem does this law solve?
More and more people with a middle income are struggling to find affordable housing. The number of rental houses for which no maximum rent applies has continued to grow in recent years. More and more tenants are spending 40 percent or more of their income on rent. Especially in large cities, the housing shortage leads to exorbitant prices in the private rental sector. The government wants to change this by bringing more homes under the so-called points system.
According to figures from the ministry, half of private rental properties in the low segment are rented too expensively. On average, tenants pay 150 euros too much per month. Due to the tightness on the housing market, they also do not have the opportunity to move to a more affordable home.
What will change? And for whom?
More than 160,000 homes that are currently rented in the private sector will come under regulated rent. The points system that already exists for social housing will be expanded for this purpose. The limit for social housing is now 145 points. The maximum rent for this is 880 euros. This will be increased to 186 points and a maximum rent of 1,123 euros.
And what is the criticism?
Critics fear that landlords will no longer be able to earn much and will therefore sell the homes they own. According to opponents of the law, there would still be few or no affordable rental properties.
Proponents believe that this will not happen very quickly and are convinced that it will lead to a more affordable supply in the long term.
What if you already live in an overpriced rental house?
Unfortunately, then nothing will change for you. The law does not change existing rental contracts. but if you move to a comparable home, it should – if all goes well – be cheaper.
Political editorial team RTL News
Tags: facts glance Minister Jonges Affordable Rent Act RTL News
