The initiative law introduced by GroenLinks/PvdA MP Henk Nijboer and CU MP Peter Grinwis should better protect tenants against usurious practices by landlords. The intention is that the law will put an end to the ability of tenants to say goodbye after two years and at the same time significantly increase the rent for subsequent residents.

Such practices, especially in major cities, have made private sector housing unaffordable. In the House of Representatives, 112 out of 150 members, including BBB and CDA members, voted in favor of the initiative bill. This made it seem like a done path, but debate in the Senate today made clear that the risks are high.

Side owners

The BBB suddenly sided with landlords and made it clear that party leader Caroline van der Plas now supports this path as well. According to the BBB, homeowners should be able to decide for themselves whether they want to rent their homes on a permanent or temporary contract.

The Commission also took a very critical stance and did not want to indicate at the end of the discussion whether it supported the initiative law. The group will trade more. At the moment, support is only confirmed from GroenLinks/PvdA, ChristenUnie, PVV, SP, Volt, Party for the Animals, and D66. Together, these parties hold 34 seats out of 75.

protection

Thus, the CDA, which has 6 seats in the Senate, can help the law gain a majority. If she follows her Interior Minister Hugo de Jonge, it will happen. The outgoing minister was initially against the law, but still supports it because he believes good protection for tenants is important. The vote is scheduled to take place next Tuesday, after which it will become clear whether temporary leases will be banned.

If so, it only applies to new contracts. Exceptions also remain possible, which Minister De Jonge will include in the Order in Council.