Rent for the Mouterij has slightly increased. Photo Resource The old system focused mainly on the number of square metres, while more criteria are included in the new system. For example, the energy label, the state-determined value of the building and the number of outdoor metres. This also affects room prices in Wageningen.
Under the old system, tenants in star-shaped flats such as Dijkgraaf, paid the same as tenants in Droevendaal, says Idealis director Bart van As. ‘While only three people share a shower in Droevendaal, the kitchen is shared by six people, and the tenants have access to large living spaces and outdoor spaces. Hence, Droevendaal offers better value for money than the other student complexes. Because these positive aspects will now be included in determining the rent, rental fees for new tenants will increase.’
Under the old system, which was in place until the end of 2024, Idealis tried to include differences in quality between the various student complexes, Van As explains. ‘The rent for older building was 80 per cent of the maximum we could ask under the system, while newer buildings were set at ninety per cent. This was because our newer buildings are of better quality, are more energy efficient, and have smaller corridors.’
Sixty per cent
Thanks to the new system, the maximum rental fee Idealis can ask for a room has increased significantly, says Van As. ‘To ensure rent remains affordable, we have adjusted our pricing policy accordingly. For some of the rooms, the net rent will barely increase due to the rent allowance. For rooms for which rent allowance does not apply, we ask only 60 per cent of the maximum rent.’
This measure ensures that the average living costs don’t increase too much, Van As assures. ‘But, for better quality rooms, there is an increase. However, there are also complexes where the rent will be lower under the new system.’
Unbalanced
Because the new prices only apply to those who signed their lease contract on or after 1 January, there may be instances where tenants in the same building pay much lower rental fees than more senior housemates. ‘We expect there will be some questions.’
Still, he is happy with the new system. ‘I understand it may be annoying if you pay more than your housemates, but this system is fairer. Moreover, it provides housing agencies with an excellent incentive to make their buildings more sustainable, as they are rewarded with a higher rental fee.’
Idealis has made a video explaining the new system for its tenants. Below is a list indicating the old and new rental fees.
