Huurtoeslag in the Netherlands: housing benefit rules are changing from 2026 – important points for tenants

The Netherlands is planning significant changes to the rules for calculating housing benefit huurtoeslag, which will come into effect from 2026. In particular, the planned changes concern the rent, the recipients’ ages, and the list of expenses subject to compensation from the state budget.

The Dutch Tax Service – Belastingdienst – has officially announced these changes.

One of the most significant innovations will be the abolition of the maximum rent limit for receiving huurtoeslag. Previously, if the rent exceeded a specified limit, tenants lost their eligibility for assistance. From 2026, this rule will no longer apply.

However, the compensation for housing costs will remain partial. State assistance will be calculated from the rent up to 477.20 euros. This means that, even with high expenses, applicants can count on assistance, though it will not cover all costs. The amount of the aid will remain dependent on income, age, and family composition.

Exclusion of service costs

From 2026, housing service costs (Servicekosten) will no longer be taken into account in the benefit calculation. This applies to payments for cleaning common areas, lighting, energy supply, and other services.

Currently, some of these costs are compensated, but after the introduction of the new rules, this will no longer be the case. Thus, tenants who previously received servicekosten supplements will be able to record a decrease in the total amount of support in 2026.

Lowering the minimum age for receiving benefits

Another significant change is the lowering of the age requirements. Starting in 2026, people aged 21 or older will be able to apply for huurtoeslag if they meet other criteria. This age is currently 23 years.

For young people aged 18 to 20, the rules will remain strict, and they will only be granted assistance in some instances, for example, if a child is present or if they rent their own accommodation.

Payment plan for 2026

In November-December 2025, many tenants will receive a preliminary notice from the Belastingdienst outlining their 2026 huurtoeslag calculation.

This document will indicate:

the expected amount of monthly benefit;

the data used for the calculation (rent, income, family composition);
The procedure for making changes if errors are found.

The tax office emphasizes that it is essential to review carefully the information provided, as errors may require returning part of the funds in the future.

Impact of the new rules on tenants

The reform opens access to huurtoeslag for higher-rent and younger applicants, but also reduces the amount of support by excluding maintenance costs. Those already receiving assistance will automatically be recalculated in 2026, but checking the data received remains essential.

To estimate the possible amount of benefits or check your entitlement to benefits, you can use the demonstration calculation on the official website toeslagen.nl.