Not all tenants in Leiden are subject to income-dependent rent increases. Exceptions apply to new-build properties, such as recent projects in the Stevenshof or Professorenwijk (first two years), temporary contracts shorter than two years, and rent prices below the liberalisation threshold (€808.06 in 2024) in the regulated sector. In Leiden, where the rental market is tight due to the university and many students, the increase can be moderated or waived in case of income reduction or retirement – ideal for retired professors or researchers.
In case of divorce, only the income of the principal tenant is considered. For expats at Leiden University with foreign income, the scheme does not always apply, provided you can prove this with payslips. During the corona crisis (2020-2022), increases were temporarily prohibited, which spared many Leiden tenants in neighbourhoods like Zijlkwartier. Landlords in Leiden may not increase rent in ongoing disputes at the Huurcommissie or in case of payment arrears. Check your situation via the Huurprijscheck on huurcommissie.nl or contact Woonpunt Leiden for local advice. In case of uncertainty: hire a tenancy law attorney via the Juridisch Loket in Leiden (subsidised via legal aid). These exceptions prevent unfair increases in the Leiden rental market and promote fairness between landlords and tenants.