Surface area of rooms and other spaces in the WWS

Surface area is typically the largest component of a WWS points count: rooms such as a living room and bedrooms usually count for more points per square metre than other spaces such as storage rooms, and measurement follows a fixed measuring instruction.

The WWS distinguishes between rooms (such as a living room, bedroom, and kitchen), other spaces (such as storage or an attic without a fixed staircase), and circulation spaces (such as a hallway or corridor). Each type of space is counted differently in the points count, with rooms generally weighing more heavily per square metre than other spaces.

Accurate measurement is essential for a correct count. Dimensions are determined following a fixed measuring instruction, under which, for example, sloped walls, load-bearing columns, and areas with limited headroom are processed in a prescribed way. A different measuring method can quickly lead to a different points count, particularly for homes with many sloped roofs or split-level layouts.

Because surface area often determines a substantial share of the total points, this component is often one of the first places where a dispute over a points count arises. Photos, a building drawing, and an own measurement with a tape measure or laser are useful supporting evidence, but they do not replace the ultimate, independent assessment of the Huurcommissie or a court in a formal dispute.

Note that measurement rules can differ between self-contained housing and rooms in non-self-contained housing, and that the applicable rules can also depend on the start date of the tenancy agreement.

Checklist

• Rooms generally count more heavily per square metre than other spaces
• Measurement follows a fixed, prescribed measuring instruction
• Sloped walls and limited headroom are processed in a specific way
• Accurate measurement matters most around segment thresholds (143 and 186 points)
• Rules can differ between self-contained housing and rooms