Rent increase and rent subsidy: Your questions answered

Questioner

Hello, I have a question. I currently rent a private home and pay €700 in rent and am entitled to full housing benefit due to my low income. With the new rent increase I now pay €725 and I NO longer receive housing benefit. Is this allowed? I can no longer afford this. Is this allowed? I can no longer afford this. Thank you in advance for your answer

Lawyer

This is allowed. The landlord can allow a reasonable rent increase once a year. You will receive rent allowance if you were already receiving rent allowance one month before the rent increase. However, above the maximum rent limit of €710.68 you will not receive rent allowance. For more information or assistance, please feel free to contact me directly and without obligation.

Questioner

Just an additional question. I have always received rent subsidy. Now that I have to pay €725, do I no longer receive any rent subsidy or do I still receive subsidy and do I have to pay the remaining amount above €710 myself? Thanks again for your previous reply

Lawyer

You will still receive rent allowance except for the part above €710.68. The tax authorities will use the calculated rent and not the rent you actually pay. That is why you may still receive rent allowance.