Affordable Rent Act unlikely to take effect on July 1st

It is uncertain whether the controversial Affordable Rent Act can come into effect on July 1. The Senate does not want to be pressured or rushed by outgoing minister De Jonge (Interior), who has asked the Senate to expedite the review of the law.

Hugo de Jonge aims for the law to take effect on July 1st, which is expected to lower the rent of about 300,000 homes by an average of 190 euros.

A majority in the Senate wants to thoroughly study the law, which could make July 1st unfeasible. This was evident after consultations in the Senate on Tuesday. The BBB party attempted to declare the law controversial, which would postpone the decision-making process regarding the law to the next cabinet. However, this attempt did not receive enough support from the largest faction in the Senate.

On April 25, the House of Representatives approved the Affordable Rent Act, albeit in a significantly altered form. As a result, the Senate is considering seeking advice from the Council of State on the implications of the revised bill.

It was agreed on Tuesday that the factions will submit all their questions about the bill to the minister in two weeks. Depending on the answers, further written questions may be necessary before the Senate can fully review the law.