Huurtoeslag 2026: Complete Guide to Rent Allowance in the Netherlands

If you rent a home in the Netherlands, huurtoeslag (rent allowance) can help cover your monthly rent. In 2026, the Dutch government introduced major changes that make more people eligible — including those with higher rent who were previously excluded.

The most important change: there is no longer a maximum rent cap. You can now apply for huurtoeslag even if your rent exceeds €932.93 per month (or €498.20 if you're under 21), as long as you meet the other requirements.

This guide covers everything you need to know about huurtoeslag in 2026: who qualifies, how much you can get, and how to apply.

What Is Huurtoeslag?

Huurtoeslag is a monthly payment from the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) to help cover rent costs. It's part of the toeslagen system (Dutch social benefits) and is designed to make housing more affordable for people with lower incomes.

The amount you receive depends on:

• Your monthly rent
• Your income (toetsingsinkomen)
• Your household composition
• Your age
• Your savings and assets (vermogen)

Unlike zorgtoeslag (health insurance allowance), huurtoeslag is not automatic. You must apply for it yourself.

Major Changes to Huurtoeslag in 2026

The Dutch government reformed huurtoeslag rules starting January 1, 2026. Here's what changed:

1. No More Maximum Rent Cap

Before 2026: You could only get huurtoeslag if your rent was below €900.07 per month (€477.20 for people under 23). If your rent was higher, you were automatically disqualified.

From 2026 onward: You can apply for huurtoeslag even if your rent is higher than the calculation limit. The allowance is calculated based on a maximum rent of €932.93 (or €498.20 for people under 21), but your actual rent can be higher.

Example: You pay €1,200 per month in rent. In 2026, you may still qualify for huurtoeslag, and the calculation will use €932.93 as the basis.

This change opens up rent allowance to thousands of tenants who were previously excluded.

2. New Age Threshold: 21 Instead of 23

The age threshold for the "young person" rent limit has dropped from 23 to 21.

What this means:

• If you're 20 or younger, your huurtoeslag is calculated with a maximum rent of €498.20
• If you're 21 or older, the higher limit of €932.93 applies

Who benefits: People aged 21 and 22 can now potentially receive significantly more huurtoeslag than they could in 2025.

3. Service Costs No Longer Count

In 2025, certain service costs (like maintenance fees, cleaning, or utilities included in your rent) were counted toward the rent amount used for huurtoeslag calculations.

From 2026: Service costs are excluded. Only your base rent (kale huurprijs) counts.

What you need to do: If you already receive huurtoeslag, the Belastingdienst will automatically adjust your calculation for 2026. You don't need to report this change yourself.

Who Can Get Huurtoeslag in 2026?

To qualify for huurtoeslag, you must meet all of the following conditions:

✅ You rent a self-contained home (zelfstandige woning)

A self-contained home must have:

• Its own lockable front door
• Its own kitchen
• Its own toilet
• Its own shower or bathroom (required since March 1, 2024)

Note: Some properties are excluded even if they meet these criteria, such as houseboats and vacation homes. Check the full list on Belastingdienst.nl.

✅ Your income is below the limit

There is no single income threshold — it depends on your rent, age, and household composition. Generally, the lower your income, the more huurtoeslag you receive.

Rule of thumb: If your annual income exceeds approximately €30,000–€35,000 (depending on household size), you likely won't qualify. Use the official proefberekening (test calculation) tool to check your specific situation.

✅ Your assets (vermogen) are below the limit

Your savings, investments, and other assets cannot exceed:

• €38,479 if you live alone (as of January 1, 2026)
• €76,958 if you live with a partner

What counts as vermogen? Savings accounts, stocks, bonds, second homes. Your primary residence and household goods do not count.

Important: The Belastingdienst checks your vermogen on January 1 of each year. If you had too much on January 1, 2026, you won't qualify for huurtoeslag in 2026 — even if your savings drop later in the year.

✅ You are at least 18 years old

People under 18 generally cannot receive huurtoeslag, except in rare cases (such as being legally emancipated or being a refugee).

✅ You are registered in the Netherlands

You must be registered at the address where you rent (ingeschreven bij de gemeente) and have a BSN (burgerservicenummer).

How Much Huurtoeslag Can You Get?

The amount depends on multiple factors and is calculated individually. There is no fixed monthly amount — it's tailored to your situation.

Average huurtoeslag payment: Between €100–€350 per month for most recipients, but this varies widely.

Calculation factors

How to Apply for Huurtoeslag

Step 1: Do a test calculation

Go to Mijn Toeslagen and use the proefberekening tool. You'll need:

• Your monthly rent (base rent, excluding service costs)
• Your expected income for 2026
• Your household composition
• Your vermogen as of January 1, 2026

Step 2: Apply in Mijn Toeslagen

If the calculation shows you're eligible, log in to Mijn Toeslagen using your DigiD. The application form is straightforward and asks for:

• Rental agreement details
• Landlord information
• Bank account (for payments)

Step 3: Wait for approval

The Belastingdienst typically processes applications within 4–8 weeks. If approved, you'll receive your first payment retroactively from the month you applied (or January 1, if you applied in January).

Step 4: Report changes

You must report changes to your situation within 4 weeks:

• Moving to a new rental property
• Change in income (new job, salary increase)
• Change in household (partner moves in/out, having a child)
• Rent increase or decrease

Failure to report changes can result in having to repay huurtoeslag.

Common Questions About Huurtoeslag

Can I get huurtoeslag if I'm an international resident?

Yes, as long as you:

• Are legally registered in the Netherlands (BSN, address registration)
• Have a valid residence permit (if non-EU)
• Meet all other huurtoeslag requirements

Nationality does not matter — what matters is that you are a legal resident of the Netherlands.

What if my rent is €1,500 per month?

You can still apply. Your huurtoeslag will be calculated using the maximum rent of €932.93. You won't receive allowance for the portion above that amount, but you may still get a meaningful monthly benefit.

Do students qualify for huurtoeslag?

Yes, if you meet the requirements. Many students qualify because:

• They rent self-contained student housing
• Their income is low (part-time work, no full-time salary)
• They have limited savings

Note for students under 21: The lower calculation limit (€498.20) applies, which may reduce the amount you receive.

What happens if my income increases during the year?

Huurtoeslag is based on your expected income for the full year. If your actual income ends up higher, you may have to repay part of the allowance when you file your annual toeslagen settlement (definitieve berekening).

To avoid surprises: Report income changes immediately in Mijn Toeslagen so your monthly payments can be adjusted.

Can I get both huurtoeslag and zorgtoeslag?

Yes. These are separate benefits. You can receive:

• Huurtoeslag (rent allowance)
• Zorgtoeslag (health insurance allowance)
• Kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance)
• Kindgebonden budget (child benefit)

All at the same time, if you meet the requirements for each.

FAQ

Q: What if I was rejected for huurtoeslag in 2025 because my rent was too high?
A: Apply again for 2026. The maximum rent cap has been removed, so you may now qualify even with higher rent.

Q: Does my partner's income count?
A: Yes. If you live with a fiscal partner (toeslagpartner), the Belastingdienst combines your incomes to determine eligibility. This is true even if you're not married.

Q: What if I share a house with roommates?
A: Each tenant can apply separately if they each have their own rental agreement and meet the self-contained housing requirement. Roommates in shared housing typically cannot get huurtoeslag unless each room qualifies as a self-contained unit.

Q: How long does huurtoeslag last?
A: You must reapply every year. Your 2026 huurtoeslag is valid only for 2026. In 2027, you'll need to apply again (or renew your application).

Q: Can I appeal if my application is denied?
A: Yes. You can file a bezwaar (objection) within 6 weeks of the decision. The Belastingdienst will review your case again. If you disagree with the outcome, you can escalate to a court (rechtbank).

Next Steps

1. Check your eligibility: Use the proefberekening tool to see if you qualify and estimate your monthly amount
2. Apply in Mijn Toeslagen: If eligible, submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing payments
3. Explore other toeslagen: Use Bowie's Tax Wizard to check if you qualify for zorgtoeslag, kinderopvangtoeslag, or other Dutch benefits
4. Report changes promptly: Keep your information up to date to avoid repayment issues

The 2026 changes to huurtoeslag mean more people can get help with rent costs. If you were previously disqualified due to high rent, now is the time to check again.