What is the maximum rent increase in 2026?

The maximum rent increase percentages for 2026 have been announced. Tenants in the private sector may receive a maximum rent increase of 4.4 per cent in 2026. For mid-range rents, this maximum will be 6.1 per cent from 1 January 2026, and for social housing rents, it will be 4.1 per cent from 1 July 2026. The maximum rent increase is determined each year on the basis of inflation or collective labour agreement wage developments. Different rules apply to social housing, mid-range rents and the private sector.

Social housing

Until 1 July 2026, the maximum of 5% that applied for 2025 will also apply to rooms, mobile homes and mobile home sites. From 1 July, the percentage will therefore be 4.1%. Tenants of properties with a rent below €350 may be charged a rent increase of up to €25 instead of the maximum percentage rent increase. Tenants with a higher income may be charged a rent increase of up to £50 or £100, depending on their income. This will replace the maximum percentage rent increase.

Mid-range rentals

Mid-range rental properties are independent dwellings (single-family homes, studios and flats) with:

• a tenancy agreement dated 1 July 2024 or later;
• and a (basic) initial rent in 2025: above £900.07 and no more than £1,184.82 or a (basic) initial rent in 2026: above £932.93 and no more than £1,228.07.

This scheme therefore only applies to rental contracts concluded after 30 June 2024.

• The rent may be increased by a maximum of 6.1%. Because wages have risen faster than inflation this year, rents in the mid-range segment may be increased more than in the private sector. From December 2024 to December 2025, the collective labour agreement wage increase was 5.1%, to which landlords may add 1%.

Here too, the new rent may not exceed the maximum level corresponding to the WWS points.

Private sector

Until 1 May 2029, there is a maximum annual rent increase for private sector homes. In 2026 (1 January 2026 to 1 January 2027), the maximum annual rent increase is 4.4% and also applies to moorings for houseboats.

As with mid-range rents, the rules for social housing do not apply to the private sector. Therefore, a rent increase clause must also be explicitly included in the rental agreement.

The maximum increase percentages in the mid-range and private rental sectors are laid down by law to keep housing affordable; by linking them to collective labour agreement wage developments, rents may only increase if incomes have also increased. How much rent increase tenants in the mid-range and private sectors will actually pay depends on their rental contract. This may stipulate a lower rent increase. If a higher rent increase has been agreed in the contract, the tenant does not have to pay the full amount. The landlord may not increase the rent by more than the maximum percentage for 2026. This also applies if the landlord and tenant have agreed on a higher increase.

These new regulations require careful contractual coordination so that both tenants and landlords are aware of the new frameworks and restrictions.

Advice

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