Are you renting in the Netherlands and worried about rising housing costs in 2025? You’re not alone. With major rent increases expected this July—up to 7.7% in some sectors—tenants across the country are under pressure. But there’s hope: the “Bevries de huren!” (Freeze the Rents!) A petition led by GroenLinks-PvdA is gaining traction fast. This movement aims to freeze all rents for one year and protect millions from financial hardship. In this post, we’ll break down the rent freeze proposal, what it means for Dutch renters—especially in cities like Rotterdam—and how you can take action before it’s too late.
1) What’s Behind the Upcoming Rent Hikes?
Starting July, renters across the country could see their housing costs spike dramatically. Social housing rents may go up by 5%, while mid-range rental properties could see increases as high as 7.7%. These aren’t minor bumps—they’re steep hikes that could seriously shake the budgets of millions of Dutch residents already stretched thin.
2) Half of Renters Are Already Struggling
Before these increases even hit, research shows that nearly half of all renters in the Netherlands were already having a tough time keeping up with expenses. From young professionals and students to families and pensioners, many people are just barely making ends meet. Adding rent hikes on top of everything else could push many into deeper financial trouble.
3) The Call to Action: “Bevries de Huren!”
Enter the powerful new campaign from the political alliance GroenLinks-PvdA: “Bevries de huren!”—translated as “Freeze the rents!” They’ve launched a nationwide petition and submitted a proposed law to Parliament. Their goal is simple: freeze all rents in both social and private housing sectors for one year, starting immediately.
4) A Straightforward Solution With a Bold Impact
This proposal is about more than just halting rent increases. It’s about creating breathing room for everyday people. The rent freeze would give millions of Dutch tenants a break from rising housing costs and allow them to stabilize their finances. The idea is bold, but according to supporters, it’s also entirely doable—and has even been done before.
5) Can a Rent Freeze Really Work?
Absolutely. Supporters of the proposal argue that similar rent freezes have already been implemented in the past. And guess what? Landlords survived. The movement points out that many landlords have profited significantly over the past years through rent increases—some of which have been described as unnecessary or even illegal. It’s time for a reset.
6) Rent vs. Wages: A Broken System
One of the major flaws highlighted by the petition is the system that allows rents to rise faster than wages and inflation. Currently, rents are allowed to increase by 1% more than either wages or inflation—whichever is higher. This means renters fall further behind every year, while property investors rake in higher profits.
7) Who’s Being Hit the Hardest?
This crisis doesn’t discriminate. Students are taking out loans to survive, families are cutting back on basic needs, and elderly pensioners are seeing their savings vanish. Everyone from first-time renters to long-term tenants is being affected. It’s a national issue, and it needs a national solution that puts people, not profits, first.
8) GroenLinks-PvdA’s Emergency Law Proposal
To stop the July 1st rent hike, GroenLinks-PvdA has introduced a “spoedwet”—an emergency law aimed at freezing rents for one year. They’re not just talking the talk. They’ve submitted the proposal and are calling on the public to support it by signing the petition. The clock is ticking, and time is running out.
9) The Petition Is Gaining Momentum Fast
As of the latest count, over 25,935 people have signed the petition—and the number keeps rising. The goal is to reach 30,000 signatures to make sure lawmakers take it seriously. Public pressure is key here. The more people speak up, the more likely it is that Parliament will take action before it’s too late.
10) A Movement Backed by Big Voices
The campaign isn’t just a political stunt—it’s a movement backed by real people and serious organizations. The petition has support from the National Student Union (LSVb), FNV Young & United, JOBmbo (vocational education students), DeGoedeZaak (a social justice campaign group), and Woonprotest, an organization that fights for tenant rights across the country.
11) Why This Matters for Rotterdam
In a growing city like Rotterdam, this issue hits close to home. With more students, creatives, and young families moving in every year, affordable housing is crucial. Without action, many of these residents could be priced out of the neighborhoods they love. A rent freeze gives Rotterdam the chance to stay inclusive and livable.
12) Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Impact
The rent freeze is being described as an emergency measure—but it’s also a starting point for broader reforms. It opens the door to rethinking how the Dutch housing system works, ensuring it prioritizes fairness and long-term affordability. The hope is that this campaign inspires more permanent changes in housing policy nationwide.
13) July 1st Is Closer Than You Think
The urgency here is real. If nothing changes, rent increases will hit thousands of households in just a few months. For many families, that could mean skipping meals, piling up debt, or even facing eviction. A one-year pause could make a massive difference for people simply trying to survive in a tough economy.
14) Housing Should Be a Right, Not a Luxury
The message from supporters is clear: housing is not a product. It’s a basic need. Treating homes as investments instead of essential shelter is pushing society in the wrong direction. The rent freeze campaign aims to reverse that trend and put tenants back at the center of Dutch housing policy.
15) What Can You Do to Help?
If you support the rent freeze, you can take action right now. Sign the petition, share it with your friends and neighbors, and raise your voice online. Every signature counts. You don’t need to be a politician to make a difference—just someone who believes that fair housing should be for everyone.
Final Thoughts: This Is Just the Beginning
The “Bevries de Huren” petition may have started as a political initiative, but it’s turning into something bigger—a national movement for dignity, affordability, and fairness in the housing market. Whether or not the law passes, it’s shining a light on a broken system and proving that change is possible when people stand together.