New rules for mid-range rental properties in Amsterdam as of 1 July 2025

As of 1 July 2025, the municipality of Amsterdam will introduce new regulations for the allocation of mid-range rental properties. The core of this change: new tenants in the mid-range segment will now need a housing permit, which is used to assess their income. The municipality wants these mid-range rental properties to become available to people with a middle income.

What is included in mid-range rental?

Mid-range rental properties are rental properties with a basic monthly rent of up to €1,184.82 and a score of 144 to 186 housing valuation points (WWS). These properties fall into the regulated rental segment, which is located between social housing and the private sector.

Who is mid-range rental intended for?

The scheme is aimed at households with a middle income. Income limits apply to qualify:

• For single-person households: maximum €81,633 gross per year;
• For multi-person households: maximum €89,821 gross per year.

Please note: if you move from a social housing corporation to a mid-range rental home, this income limit does not apply.

Permit requirement: how does it work?

New tenants must apply for a housing permit from the municipality of Amsterdam before moving in. This can be done online and requires, among other things:

• income details (for example, recent pay slips or tax returns),
• a declaration of consent from the landlord,
• a copy of the identity document.

The municipality will assess within two to a maximum of eight weeks whether the income is in line with the requirements. The tenant may not move in without a permit. For homes owned by housing corporations, the application procedure is usually handled by the housing corporation.

Role and obligations of the landlord

Landlords may not rent out a mid-range rental home without a valid housing permit from the tenant. In addition, they must:

• be transparent about the number of housing valuation points;
• cooperate with the application procedure;
• actively monitor the permit requirement.

In the event of violations, the landlord risks sanctions, ranging from warnings to administrative fines or the imposition of termination of the lease.

Municipal enforcement and transition period

The municipality announces a ‘getting used to period’ after 1 July 2025, in which sanctions will be used with restraint. In this phase, the emphasis will be on information and dialogue. Nevertheless, the permit requirement will remain in force from day one.

Landlords and tenants can also apply for a permit before 1 July or arrange this retroactively during July.

Background and political context

Alderman Zita Pels (Housing) states that the permit requirement is necessary to prevent higher incomes from occupying these homes, which would sideline middle incomes. In her letter to the municipal council, she calls it ‘essential for the liveability and inclusiveness of the city’ that mid-range rent remains accessible to this target group.

At the same time, she warns of national plans that could limit the regulated segment, such as a heavier weighting of the WOZ value in the points system. This could result in fewer homes falling under the mid-range rent policy. The municipal council is therefore considering additional measures as soon as these national plans become concrete.

Advice

Do you have any questions about the above developments or do you have other legal questions about tenancy law? Our specialized lawyers will be happy to assist you.