Several tenant groups have organized themselves not to pay the proposed rent increase as of 1 July. We think it is outrageous that in times of corona rent increases are being implemented by housing corporations and other landlords.

Tenants are among the people most affected by the pandemic and the economic crisis. More than 800,000 tenants were already in trouble before the corona crisis due to too high rents and have too little left for necessary living costs. This number is growing day by day. On average, Dutch tenants pay more than 38% of their income in housing costs. In short, the rent must now be reduced. Houses are for people, not for profit.

Many housing corporations and landlords have indicated that 0% rent increases are not yet open to discussion. With her policy, Minister Ollongren has enabled rent increases from 5.1% to 6.6% in the 'regulated' sector.

She has simply ignored 2 passed motions to temporarily freeze the rent for social and private sector homes. In fact, she says of the motion of censure passed this week that she "sees it as an encouragement to continue on her own path". Not democratic. The BPW states that it is totally irresponsible and unacceptable.

So more action is needed! We want to hit landlords where it hurts: through our rent. We will not pay our rent increase until landlords and politicians agree. We are already many, but it is important that more people join: the larger our movement, the greater the chance of success. So sign up and also refuse to pay your rent increase!

People from all over the country will participate in the action “We refuse the rent increase” as of July 1.

How?
1. Stop the direct debit.
2. Transfer the old rent manually.
3. Make a collective objection.

Participate?
Read here a step-by-step plan that can help you set up this action. “Refuse the rent increase”. (0%) is more than enough.

Also read the toolkit Housing security “Eat first, then the rent” van de Bond Precaire Woonvorm for more tips and tricks.

On Sunday 28 June, from 19.30 – 21.00, we will organize a second online meeting, where we will explain to interested parties exactly how you can refuse your rent increase and what you should take into account. Refusing your rent increase is quite simple and there are hardly any risks; it's just as important to know how to do that. Moreover, it is important to keep in touch with each other for possible reactions from landlords.

If you want to participate, or if you have any questions, please sign up via stopdehuurhuur@gmail.com. Also join the facebook group WeRefuseTheRent Increase. This way we can organize ourselves, stay in touch with each other, and we can also send you a clear step-by-step plan on exactly how you can refuse the rent increase.