News item | 28-12-2023 | 10:03
With effect from the new year, new laws and regulations will come into effect or will be subject to changes. This article provides an overview of the most important changes from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
environmental code
The Environmental Act will come into effect on January 1. The law bundles a large number of laws, rules and regulations regarding the physical environment into one law. In addition, the law provides a single digital counter for applying for permits and starting projects. The central government, provinces, municipalities and water boards work together in this.
More information
Construction Quality Assurance Act
The Construction Quality Assurance Act (Wkb) improves the quality of buildings such as homes and small business premises through stricter supervision. The law encourages construction companies to perform better inspections, which improves construction quality and reduces repair costs. Inspectors’ work also becomes easier because builders already conduct thorough inspections.
Good Landlordship Act
The Good Landlordship Act has been in effect since July 1, 2023, but the last parts will come into effect on January 1. For example, from 2024 it will be mandatory for all municipalities to have a reporting point for complaints about undesirable rental behavior and landlords, rental agents or managers must have a written working method aimed at preventing residential discrimination.
More information: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/woning-verhuren/QUESTION-EN-ANSWER/wat-zijn-de-rules-tegen-crimination-op-de-woningmarkt
Amendment to the Housing Act
Municipalities can, through the Housing Act, give priority to their own residents when buying or renting a house. Municipalities can also give priority to certain (crucial) professional groups, such as teachers, nurses and police officers. Furthermore, it will be possible to extend rules on living space distribution to social new-build owner-occupied homes.
More information: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/12/12/eerste-kamer-stemt-in-met-gewachtigde-huisvestingswet-2014-meer-spelen-voor-woningzoekenden-die-er -difficult-to-intervene-now
Regulation on Security Measures for Decentralized Administrators
Mayors, deputies and water board directors must be able to perform their duties safely without having to worry about their own safety or that of their partner or family. The scheme has been expanded as of January 1, 2024 so that tailor-made measures can be taken. The decentralized drivers can now receive personal security advice based on individual security risks.
More information: https://www.politieeambtsdragers.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/11/15/veiligsoverzicht-voor-burgemeesters-gedeputeerders-en-waterschapsbedrijven-uitgebreid
Maximum rent increase and indexation limits for rent allowance
The permitted annual rent increase in the private sector is a maximum of 5.5% from 1 January 2024. That is 4.5% inflation + 1 percentage point. The permitted rent increase applies to homes in the private sector: independent homes, studios and apartments.
Rents in the regulated sector may increase by a maximum of 5.8% from 1 July 2024. This percentage is equal to the average wage increase. Corporations are allowed to increase rents by an average of 5.3%. For tenants of a housing association home, this means that the income increases on average more than the rent increases.
Furthermore, the income and rental limits for the housing allowance will be indexed as of January 1.
More information: https://www.volkshuisvestingnederland.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/12/15/55-procent-maximale-huurgroei-vrije-sector-vanaf-1-januari-2024
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/12/22/58-procent-maximale-huurgroei-gereguleerde-sector-in-2024
https://www.volkshuisvestingnederland.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/12/13/huurtoeslagparameters-2024-kennis
More borrowing space for home buyers
As of January 1, households will have more borrowing space to purchase an energy-efficient home and to make their own home more sustainable. In addition, the impact of a student loan on the maximum borrowing space for former students will be determined from 2024 on the basis of the current costs of their student loan, and single people will have more borrowing space.
More information:
https://www.volkshuisvestingnederland.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/11/meer-hypotheekruimte-voor-verduurzaming-alleenstonden-en-studenten/meer-hypotheekruimte-voor-verduurzaming-alleenstonden-en-studenten
Passport prices higher
The prices of travel documents and IDs are indexed annually. As of January 1, a passport for an adult will cost a maximum of 83.87 euros, compared to 77.87 euros this year. An identity card will cost a maximum of 75.80 euros and for those under 18 it will cost a maximum of 40.92 euros.