The Dutch rental market has undergone its most significant transformation in decades with the 2025 WWS updates. For tenants, this means more protection and more opportunities to ensure they are paying a fair price.
What is the WWS exactly?
The Woningwaarderingstelsel (WWS) is a points-based system that assigns a value to a rental property based on its characteristics. These include its living area, the number of rooms, the quality of its kitchen and bathroom, its energy efficiency, and its official WOZ value.
Key Changes in 2025
- Mid-Segment Regulation: Previously, only "social" housing was strictly regulated. Now, properties up to 186 points fall into the "mid-segment," where the maximum rent is also legally capped.
- Energy Penalties: Poor energy labels (E, F, G) now result in significant point deductions, effectively forcing landlords to either lower rent or renovate.
- Outdoor Space Improvements: Balconies and gardens are weighted more heavily, reflecting their value in urban environments like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Why should you check your points?
If your property scores below the "free market" threshold (currently 187 points), your landlord is legally prohibited from charging more than the rent associated with those points. If you are paying more, you are eligible for a rent reduction.
At CheckMyRent, we use AI to analyze your contract and photos to give you an instant estimate of these points. Don't wait—know your rights today.