Rent allowance
Rent benefit or housing allowance (huurtoeslag) is a state contribution towards renting your home. The housing benefit is income-dependent and available for Dutch residents in rental accommodation.
The rent benefit (huurtoeslag) is provided by the Dutch tax office and assessed according to your rental costs, income, savings and number of roommates. Lower-income renters receive more help.
Income ceiling
There used to be an income ceiling for the housing allowance, determined by your box 1, 2 and 3 income combined. As of 1 January 2020, there are no income limits for the housing allowance. Instead, it is determined according to your rent, your age and the composition of your household.
Rent ceiling for rent allowance
A rent ceiling (the maximum rent plus service cost of your home) determines whether you qualify for the rent allowance. If your rent, including service costs, is above the set limit, you cannot claim Dutch housing benefit. The maximum is set annually by the Dutch government. For 2024, the rent ceiling is €879.66. This ceiling is reduced to €454.47 if all occupants of the rental accommodation are younger than 23 years (if you are younger than 23 and taking care of your own child at your own home, then different conditions can apply).
Terms and conditions
To qualify for the housing allowance, your rental home should have its own front door (with a lock) and be equipped with a kitchen and bathroom. Some rentals, such as holiday chalets and houseboats are excluded.
- You are 18 years or older
- You live in the Netherlands
- You rent an independent living space
- You and the landlord have a rental agreement
- You pay the rent and can prove this with bank statements
- Your rent is not too high
- Your income and that of your benefit partner (toeslagpartner) and co-residents is not too high
- Your assets and those of your benefit partner and co-residents are not too high.
- You and the other residents are registered with the municipality at your residential address.
- Your co-resident or benefit partner is not the owner of the residence.
- You, your benefit partner, and co-residents aged 18 and older have Dutch nationality or are legally residing in the Netherlands.