This week, the lower chamber of the Dutch parliament, the Tweede Kamer, will decide the fate of Minister Hugo de Jonge’s proposed “Affordable Housing Rent Act”. The bill, which aims to curb excessive rental prices in the private sector, has sparked intense debate between proponents and opponents, broadcaster NOS reports today.
The proposed law stems from concerns about the escalating housing crisis in the country, particularly in major cities. With a severe shortage of housing, landlords have been able to charge exorbitant rents, leaving many tenants struggling to make ends meet. The Woonbond, a tenant advocacy group, has received over 350 complaints from tenants reporting stress, financial hardship, and even depression due to high rental costs.
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De Jonge’s proposed solution involves expanding the existing point system, currently used for social housing, to private sector rentals with prices between €880 and €1,235 (€1,123 for new construction). This system assigns points based on factors like size, energy efficiency, and amenities, effectively capping rents. The minister estimates this could save tenants an average of €190 per month.
Opponents of the bill, including the VVD, BBB, Forum voor Democratie, and JA21 parties, argue that it will have adverse effects. They fear a mass exodus of rental properties from the market as landlords seek higher returns elsewhere. They also warn of potential stagnation in new construction.
Despite these concerns, the bill has garnered support from GroenLinks, PvdA, D66, SP, Partij voor de Dieren, Volt, and the ChristenUnie, representing a total of 52 seats in the Tweede Kamer. These parties prioritize protecting tenants and ensuring affordable housing, even if it means accepting a potential reduction in rental supply.
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The outcome of the vote hinges on the position of the PVV, the second-largest party in the Tweede Kamer. The party’s spokesperson, Barry Madlener, has expressed concerns about the bill’s impact on rental availability. Their decision, expected as late as Thursday, could tip the scales.
Even if the bill passes the Tweede Kamer, it still faces scrutiny in the Eerste Kamer, the upper house of parliament. There, the opposition is stronger, making the bill’s passage less certain.
The fate of the “Affordable Housing Rent Act” hangs in the balance, with the Tweede Kamer’s vote this week marking a crucial step. The outcome will determine whether measures to curb excessive rental prices will become a reality.
