What will change - and what can you as a landlord do now?
Until now, the rule was: anyone renting a property in the free sector was not entitled to rent allowance. This will change from 2026. Tenants with a higher rent (above the social rent limit) can then also receive allowance in some cases. This will make free sector housing more attractive to a wider group of tenants, especially middle-income households.
Social rent limit remains important
The social rent limit will be at € 900,07 (bare rent).
- Below this limit: social rent, rent allowance possible, but with income limits.
- Above this limit: free sector, currently no rent allowance, but from 2026 onwards will be partial.
Important detail: the rent supplement is calculated only on the first €900.07 of the rent. Tenants with higher rents therefore benefit partially, not fully.
A practical example
A single person with an income of €34,000 and a bare rent of €1,100 can receive around €140 to €150 rent allowance per month from 2026.
This will make a rental property in the free sector financially accessible to middle-income earners as well.
As a landlord, what can you do right now?
- View your rents: a rent between €950 and €1,100 will become more attractive from 2026. Tenants in this segment (middle-income) may soon be able to get rent allowance.
- Check your WWS points: stay below or just above the social rent limit (€900.07 in 2025) if you want to strategically stay in the middle rent.
- Clearly split rent and service charges: only the bare rent counts for rent allowance. A clear split prevents misunderstandings and administrative hassle.
- Inform your tenants: Many tenants do not yet know that the rules are going to change. Mention it at viewings or in advertisements, it increases interest.
- Follow updates from the Inland Revenue: the exact implementation rules will be announced by the end of 2025. By keeping track of this, you can adjust leases and advertisements in time.
In conclusion
The free sector will become a lot more accessible from 2026. For a landlord, this means: more potential tenants, less vacancy and more stable rental income.
Those who prepare now will soon rent with a head start.