Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Committee. This independent organization helps to resolve disputes about rents, service charges, maintenance and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not exactly know what the Rent Committee does, how a procedure works and what you can expect from them. In this article we explain it step by step.

What is the Rent Committee?

The Rent Committee is a national, independent body that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Consider this:

• An excessively high rent at the start of a lease

• Disputes about annual rent increases

• Disagreements about service charges

• Complaints about neglected maintenance

• Disputes about the amount of the deposit

The rulings of the Rent Committee are binding, unless one of the parties goes to court within eight weeks.

👉 Official website: rentcommittee.nl

When can you go to the Rent Committee?

You can start a procedure at the Rent Committee if you and your landlord (or tenant) cannot solve it together. The most common situations are:

1. Rent check – Are you unsure whether the rent is too high? The Rent Committee can test this against legal rules.

2. Rent increase – If you disagree with a proposed rent increase.

3. Service charges – For example, when there is unclear cost for cleaning or energy.

4. Maintenance shortcomings – Think about mold, leaks or broken facilities.

5. Repaying deposit – In case of a dispute after the end of the rental period.

How does a procedure at the Rent Committee work?

A procedure goes in different steps:

1. Submitting a request

The tenant or landlord submits a request. This can be easily done through the website of the Rent Committee.

2. Paying fees

A small fee (fees) must be paid. If you are found to be in the right, you will usually get these costs back.

3. Handling the case

The Rent Committee looks at the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes the house itself is also visited.

4. Ruling

The Rent Committee makes a binding ruling. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees, the case can still be brought before the judge.

What are the advantages of the Rent Committee?

• Accessible: You do not need a lawyer.

• Affordable: The costs are relatively low.

• Independent: The committee is neutral and decides fairly based on the law.

• Fast: Procedures usually take several months, shorter than many judicial procedures.

Difference between Rent Committee and judge

Many people wonder: should I go to the Rent Committee or to the judge?

• Rent Committee: suitable for rental disputes about price, service charges or maintenance. The procedure is accessible and cheaper.

• Judge: necessary if you also want to take other legal issues, such as termination of the lease or compensation for damage.

Sometimes it is wise to try the Rent Committee first, because it is less costly and yields faster results.

Frequently asked questions about the Rent Committee

1. How much does a procedure at the Rent Committee cost?
The fees usually range between €25 and €450, depending on the type of case and whether you are a tenant or landlord.

2. Do I need a lawyer for the Rent Committee?
No, the procedures are designed so that you can submit your case without a lawyer. However, hiring a lawyer may be useful to increase your chances.

3. How long does a procedure at the Rent Committee take?
On average a procedure lasts several months. This depends on the complexity of the case and the availability of the committee.

4. Can I appeal against a decision of the Rent Committee?
Yes, within eight weeks you can bring the case before the judge if you disagree with the decision.

5. Can I also go to the Rent Committee for commercial leases (such as business premises)?
No, the Rent Committee only handles living space, not commercial space.