The point system, also known as house rating system, was created to reflect the quality of rental properties. Quite simply, the better the property the more points!
A property gets more value if it scores well in the following components;
- The size of the property; a large property gets more points than a small one
- The energy efficiency of a property; a property with an energy label A scores better than one with a low rating
- The general amenities; any extras in the property can earn points such as luxury finishes, a large kitchen, a storage room or an outdoor area, etc.
- The WOZ value of the property
A point score can be carried out on the government's website. Via this link.
Broadly speaking, you get around €14.000,- in rent for each point. This amount has recently been inflated because until 1 July 2023 it was around € 12.000,- per point.
If you currently do a point count and you come to a maximum of 136 points, you are bound by a maximum rent of € 808,06, less points correspond to a lower rent. Tenants have rent protection in this sector (social sector). This is also reflected on page 44 of this letter from the Ministry of the Interior.
Before 1 January 2023, this liberalisation limit was €763.47. If a rental property scores higher than 136 points, the rent is allowed to deviate and a higher c.q. market rent may be asked. The house may then be rented in the "free sector" even if a point system indicates a lower recommended rent.
New point system from 1 January 2024
Housing minister Hugo De Jonge envisages stretching the point system to a maximum of 187 points by next year. This will include a rent of € 1,100. A property may then only be rented out as a free sector rental if it manages to score a minimum of 187 points. Whether these plans will actually become new regulations we will hear in a few months.
Good to know:
A. There are 3 different housing valuation systems; one for independent living accommodation, for non-independent living accommodation (rooms) and for caravans and pitches.
B. Exceptions to the point system are houses with a liberalised rent (free sector), shop houses where the house is only accessible from the shop and holiday homes/commercial premises (including garages)
