ROTTERDAM, 12 February 2026 – Rotterdam says it made major progress in 2025 towards a fairer and more transparent private rental market, with more tenants reporting problems and inspectors taking action. The city logged 667 reports via its online reporting point for unwanted landlord behaviour (Meldpunt Ongewenst Verhuurgedrag), up 76% compared with the previous reporting period cited.
The municipality links the increase to better awareness of the reporting point and stronger enforcement powers under new national rules. A progress report is published here.
Reports rise as tenants seek help
The city says tenants used the reporting point 667 times in 2025. As a comparison, it recorded 383 reports in the period October 2023 to December 2024. Based on those reports, municipal inspectors took action on issues, including rent set too high, poor maintenance, excessive service charges, and intimidation. In cases where the report concerned rent set too high, Rotterdam says the rent was reduced by an average of €350 after intervention. The city frames this as a direct result of tenants reporting problems and inspectors being able to verify the situation and push the process forward.
New laws give Rotterdam stronger powers
Rotterdam points to two national laws as the basis for citywide enforcement: the Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur) and the Good Landlordship Act (Wet goed verhuurderschap), which entered into force in 2024 and 2023. Under these laws, the municipality says it can require landlords to put things right, backed by the threat of a fine.
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What happens after a report
After a report, an inspector visits the tenant to carry out a home inspection. The inspector also performs a points-based assessment using the housing valuation system (Woningwaarderingsstelsel, WWS). If the assessment shows the rent is too high, the inspector discusses it with the landlord. Rotterdam says it prefers to resolve cases through consultation where possible, including when other problems are involved.
Sanctions and joint operations
Even with efforts to resolve cases informally, Rotterdam says it imposed 25 sanctions in 2025 in response to rental abuses. The municipality also says it runs joint operations on housing-related problems, working closely with the police, care partners, and housing associations.
Chantal Zeegers on why it matters
Alderman Chantal Zeegers (including housing portfolio) links the work to tenant protection, especially when people feel less able to speak up.
“If you see how happy people sometimes are when their rent drops by hundreds of euros, you know why we do this. Tenants can be vulnerable and, for example, may not be able to stand up for themselves because of language barriers. Then it is good that the municipality stands up for them.” — Chantal Zeegers, Rotterdam alderman
The alderman also points to the growing number of reports as a sign that more tenants are willing to come forward, which the city links to outreach and visibility in neighbourhoods.
