Changes in rental allowance starting in 2026
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From 1 January 2026, the rules for rental allowance in the Netherlands will change. These changes may affect how much rental allowance you get. In this article, we explain the most important changes.
Rent limits going
Until now, there was a maximum rent to get rental allowance. We call this a rent limit. Starting in 2026, the limit will go.
What does that mean for you?
Even if you have a home with a higher rent, you may be able to get some rental allowance.
How much you receive in rental allowance still depends on your income, age and household situation.
Please note: Rental allowance never reimburses the entire rent. You always pay your own portion.
Service charges are no longer included
Now you can get rental allowance on some service charges, such as cleaning or energy for common areas. But from 2026, you will no longer get rental allowance on service charges. For example, do you now pay 50 euros in service charges on which you get allowance? Then that portion will expire in 2026.
Age for rental allowance goes back to 21 years old
Until now, low-income people from the age of 23 are entitled to rental allowance. Even if you are between 18 and 22 and pay a high rent or have a child, you are entitled to allowance.
Starting in 2026, anyone 21 years of age or older can receive rental allowance if they meet the conditions. Separate rules will continue to apply to young people aged 18 to 20. They will only receive rental allowance in specific situations, for example, if they have a child or rent independent housing. As of 2026, young people under 21 can apply for rental allowance if their rent is higher than €477.20 (2025 amount). The rental allowance will then only apply to the portion of the rent up to €477.20.
These amounts are adjusted annually according to
You will receive a decision about the rental allowance for next year
In November or December 2025, many people will receive a
The decision states:
How much rental allowance you will get next year.
Based on what information (rent, income, household).
What to do if the information is incorrect.
This decision is important: you should check carefully that your information is correct. If there are mistakes in your details about your rent, income or household, you may have to pay back rental allowance later. So always check the decision carefully, and adjust your details if they are incorrect.
Want to know approximately how much rental allowance you can get or are entitled to?
What do the changes in rental allowance mean for you?
Do you already have rental allowance? Then your allowance will be automatically adjusted in 2026. You do not have to do anything yourself, but check your decision.
Do you have a rent higher than the former rent limit? Then you may still be able to get rental allowance starting in 2026.
Are you paying service charges? Keep in mind that you no longer get an allowance on that.
Are you 21 or 22 years old? As of 2026, you are more likely to receive rental allowance.
Questions about changes to the rental allowance
Do I get more rental allowance because of this change?
Not always. The rent limit is disappearing, but the fee for service charges is going. The Dutch tax authorities automatically calculate the new amount.
Do I need to self-report my rent for 2026?
Only if your rent changes. Otherwise, the Dutch tax authorities will use your old data.
When can I apply for the rental allowance for 2026?
You can do so as soon as you have a rental contract and meet the conditions.