Rents in the social housing sector will rise by an average of 1% in July, the lowest rate for several years, according to official figures reported by public broadcaster Nos on Monday.

Tenants on low incomes – up to €34,678 a year – will see a more modest increase of 0.7%. The new average rates, compliled by Aedes, the association of Dutch housing corporations, are in line with the voluntary agreement drawn up with the tenants’ organisation Woonbond.

In 2014 the average rent rise was 3.4% and last year the figure was 2.2%.

Marc Calon, chairman of Aedes, said: ‘Corporations are on the side of their tenants and affordable housing. There is a reason we agreed with the Woonbond to moderate the increase in rent.

‘Our actions have matched our words: people on low incomes will hardly see any increase in their rent this year. That is a good deal.’

Housing corporations are allowed to put up their rents in line with inflation plus up to 4% for people who earn above the technical limit for social housing.