Rent check in Rotterdam

Does the maximum apply to new builds in Rotterdam?

The maximum rent is national law, so it works the same in Rotterdam as anywhere in the Netherlands. Every home gets points for its size, energy label, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor space and WOZ value, and the points set the highest basic rent a landlord may ask.

Source: Besluit huurprijzen woonruimte, Bijlage I (valid from 1 January 2026). The amounts change every 1 January.

Renting in Rotterdam

Many internationals and students at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and Codarts rent new apartments from investors and commercial landlords. Size, energy label and WOZ value decide the points, and a big, efficient new apartment can end up above 186 points, where there is no maximum. Smaller new studios usually stay below it.

Moved in less than 6 months ago? If the rent is too high, the lower rent counts from your first day and you can claim the overpaid months back.

Local tip: the new-build surcharge

Some new mid-market homes may charge up to 10% above the normal maximum. That surcharge only applies under specific conditions, so it's worth checking rather than assuming your landlord qualifies.

Free local help

Ask the municipality (gemeente Rotterdam) whether it offers free advice for tenants. The city also has a basic online rent calculator.

You can also file at the Huurcommissie yourself for €25. The procedure is in Dutch.

When we're the easier option

• All in English: every message and every step explained.
• Done for you: you send your contract and sign once; we file and handle every letter and the inspection.
• No win, no fee: you only pay if your rent goes down or money comes back.