Amsterdam to crack down on landlords overcharging tenants; launches awareness campaign
The municipality of Amsterdam is launching a campaign called “Know your rental rights” to help tenants. The Affordable Rent Act has been in effect since July 1, 2024, and this has given the municipality more power to combat landlords who overcharge their tenants or refuse to do maintenance.
Since January 1, 2025, enforcement of compliance with the Good Landlordship Act has been expanded in Amsterdam with enforcement of compliance with the Affordable Rent Act. The municipality can now, for example, impose a penalty or administrative fines in the event of landlord violations. If a violation is repeated, the fines increase.
The Affordable Rent Act stipulates that landlords must adhere to a maximum rent based on the quality of a home. This is calculated using a points system that takes into account factors such as square meters, energy labels, and facilities.
One of the main things that the municipality is trying to teach people living in rental homes is how and where they can report incidents and get help. “It is important that Amsterdammers know what their rights are as a tenant and that the municipality can help,” said the Alderwoman for Housing, Zita Pels.
The campaign will include advertisements, graffiti, social media posts, posters in community centers, articles in the local media, and green graffiti near universities and colleges to make students aware of their rights.
