The ordinary 2026 limits differ by rent segment: 4.4% in the free sector, 6.1% for middle rent and, from 1 July, 4.1% for an ordinary percentage increase in social housing. Special social-rent increases can follow different rules. A statutory ceiling is not automatic permission to charge that percentage.
Editorial review: Arslan Advocaten. Updated 24 October 2026.
Choose the correct segment and period
Establish whether the agreement is social, middle or free sector, and which date the increase takes effect. For ordinary social-rent increases in the first half of 2026, the earlier maximum of 5% remained relevant. From 1 July 2026 the ordinary percentage limit is 4.1%. Do not apply the January–December rules for other segments to every social-rent proposal.
Free-sector and middle-rent increases
For 2026, the annual ceilings are 4.4% and 6.1% respectively. The agreement must still provide an applicable increase mechanism; a lower contractual outcome is not replaced simply by quoting the statutory maximum. Check the index period, basic amount, effective date and any extra surcharge. Whether a term is unfair can require a separate examination.
Social-housing exceptions
Low basic rents and qualifying higher household incomes can lead to different permitted amounts rather than the ordinary percentage. Rooms, caravans and pitches also need the appropriate rules. Ask which exception is relied on and what information supports it. A landlord cannot establish the applicable limit merely by adding the word statutory to a letter.
Points limits and property improvements
For a regulated dwelling, the property’s permitted maximum remains relevant alongside the annual increase cap. A separately justified increase following property improvement is not automatically the same as an ordinary annual increase. Identify what work was done, the legal route and the actual agreement before comparing percentages.
Prepare an objection and protect the correct deadline
Keep the contract, increase letter, previous rent and calculation. Identify whether you dispute classification, arithmetic, the contractual term or the statutory ceiling. The procedure and time limit depend on that question and segment. Do not assume that the 2026 rate will remain the same in 2027; use the official rules for each year.
Documents to collect
- Contract and starting rent
- Increase letter and effective date
- Previous rent and calculation
- Points statement for regulated housing
- Documents supporting any claimed exception
Frequently asked questions
May the landlord always use the maximum percentage?
No. The agreement and applicable rules can produce a lower permitted increase.
Is social rent always capped at 4.1% in 2026?
That is the ordinary percentage limit from 1 July; low-rent, income-related and other exceptions require separate assessment.
Does the same rate apply in 2027?
Do not assume so. Check the officially applicable annual rules.
Discuss the right next step
Send the complete agreement, relevant correspondence and the next deadline. We first assess the legal question, evidence and appropriate route. The first consultation is free and without obligation. Eligible individuals may qualify for subsidised legal aid; a personal contribution or other costs can remain. Where private fees apply, we agree the scope and expected costs before further work. A contact request does not itself preserve a statutory or court deadline.
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