Maximum Rent Increase 2026 in Social Sector 4.1%, Mid-Rent 6.1%, and Private Sector 4.4%

In the social sector, the rent increase takes effect on July 1, 2026. Until July 1, the maximum of 5% that applied for 2025 remains valid. The maximum rent increase from July 1, 2026, is calculated based on the inflation of the past three years. The average of this period is used, plus an additional 0.5%. From December 2022 to December 2025, the average inflation was 3.6%. Therefore, the maximum annual rent increase as of July 1, 2026, is 4.1%. This maximum applies until July 1, 2027.

The maximum increase also applies to rooms, mobile homes, and pitches. Tenants of homes with a rent below €350 may be charged a maximum rent increase of €25 instead of the maximum percentage. For tenants with higher incomes, a maximum increase of €50 or €100 may be charged, depending on income. This replaces the maximum percentage rent increase.

The adjusted rules will be established by law. The goal is to make rent increases in the social sector more predictable and less variable year to year. Tenants will better understand what to expect, and housing corporations will have more stable income. This keeps housing affordable and allows corporations to continue investing in new construction and improving homes.

In the mid-rent sector, rent increases by law with a maximum of the collective labor agreement (CAO) wage development plus 1%. Because wages rose faster than inflation this year, rent in the mid-segment may increase more than in the private sector. From December 2024 to December 2025, the CAO wage development was 5.1%. Landlords may add 1% to this percentage. Therefore, the maximum rent increase in 2026 is 6.1%.

In the private sector, the law stipulates that rent may increase based on inflation or CAO wage development. The lower of the two percentages is used, plus an additional 1% by the landlord. From December 2024 to December 2025, the average inflation was 3.4%, lower than the wage development of 5.1%. With the extra 1%, the maximum rent increase is 4.4%. This maximum increase applies to all independent dwellings in the private sector, such as single-family homes, studios, and apartments, as well as mooring places for houseboats.

The above percentages are maximum limits. Tenants cannot receive a higher rent increase but may have a lower or unchanged rent. In the social rental segment, the landlord makes a rent increase proposal, which can be lower than the maximum. The actual rent increase for tenants in mid-rent or private sector homes depends on the rental contract. Sometimes a lower increase is agreed upon, which then applies. If a higher increase is in the contract, the rent may never rise above the legally allowed maximum annual percentage. This also applies if a higher increase was previously agreed, for example due to home sustainability improvements. Additionally, rent increases may only be implemented once per year.

The maximum rent increase in the social rental segment will be officially determined and published in the Government Gazette later this month.