Is a rent increase permitted, is an objection worthwhile?

Questioner

We have been living in a rental property since February 1, 2021. Before we accepted the house, we were informed of a rent of EUR 995 per month. No comment was made about an upcoming rent increase. Last week we received a letter stating that the rent will be increased by 2.4% to EUR 1018.88 as of July 1, 2021. The previous tenant paid EUR 965.24. Compared to that, the rent was already increased by 3% at the start of our rental. With the intended rent increase in July, that is 5.4% in one and the same calendar year. We wonder whether this is allowed and whether it makes sense to object to this.

Lawyer

Yes, this is allowed. This is a situation in which the first rent increase may commence within a year (so if you are renting this property for the first time). The rental contract will certainly state that you agree to rent increases, usually based on the cooking power index figures. In the private sector, it does not matter what the previous tenant paid. However, you can have the rent assessed by the rent committee within six months. If you would like some help with this, please contact me.