Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Commission. This independent organization helps in resolving disputes about rents, service costs, maintenance and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords are not exactly sure what the Rent Commission 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 Commission?
The Rent Commission is a national, independent institution that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Consider the following:
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An excessively high rent at the start of a lease
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Discussions about annual rent increases
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Disagreement about service costs
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Complaints about overdue maintenance
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Discussions about the amount of the deposit
The decisions of the Rent Commission are binding, unless one of the parties goes to court within eight weeks.
👉 Official website: huurcommissie.nl
When can you go to the Rent Commission?
You can start a procedure at the Rent Commission if you and your landlord (or tenant) cannot figure it out together. The most common situations are:
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Rent check – Doubt you whether the rent is too high? The Rent Commission can test this against statutory rules.
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Rent increase – If you do not agree with a proposed rent increase.
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Service expenses – For example, in case of ambiguity in cleaning or energy costs.
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Maintenance defects – Think about molds, leakages or broken utilities.
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Refund of deposit – In case of a dispute after the end of the rental period.
How does a procedure work with the Rent Commission?
A procedure works in several steps:
1. Submit a request
The tenant or landlord submits a petition. This can be done easily through the Rent Commission’s website.
2. Pay the fees
A small fee (legal fees) must be paid. If you are found in the right, you usually get these costs back.
3. Processing the case
The Rent Commission checks the documents and may organize a hearing. Sometimes, they may also visit the property.
4. Decision
The Rent Commission makes a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees, can still present the case to the judge.
What are the advantages of the Rent Commission?
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Accessible: You don’t need a lawyer.
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Affordable: The costs are relatively low.
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Independent: The commission is neutral and decides fairly according to the law.
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Fast: Procedures usually take a few months, shorter than many judicial procedures.
Difference between Rent Commission and judge
Many people wonder: should I go to the Rent Commission or to the judge?
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Rent Commission: suitable for rental disputes about price, service costs or maintenance. The procedure is easy to access and cheaper.
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Judge: necessary if you also want to take other legal matters, such as dissolution of the lease or damages.
Sometimes it is wise to first try the Rent Commission because it is less costly and gives faster results.
Frequently asked questions about the Rent Commission
1. How much does a procedure at the Rent Commission 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 Commission?
No, the procedures are designed so that you can submit your case without a lawyer. However, engaging a lawyer can be handy to increase your chances.
3. How long does a procedure at the Rent Commission take?
On average, a procedure lasts a few months. This depends on the complexity of the case and the availability of the commission.
4. Can I appeal to a decision of the Rent Commission?
Yes, within eight weeks you can present the case to the judge if you disagree with the decision.
5. Can I also go to the Rent Commission for commercial rental contracts (such as business space)?
No, the Rent Commission only deals with living space, not business space.
