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

What is the Rent Committee?

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

• Excessive rent at the start of a lease

• Disputes about annual rent increases

• Disagreements over service charges

• Complaints about overdue maintenance

• Disputes about the amount of the deposit

The decisions 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 – Not sure if the rent is too high? The Rent Committee can verify this with the legal rules.

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

3. Service Charges – For example, in case of ambiguity about cleaning or energy costs.

4. Maintenance Defects – Think of mold, leaks or broken facilities.

5. Repayment of Deposit – In case of a dispute after the end of the rental period.

How does a procedure at the Rent Committee work?

A procedure consists of several steps:

1. Submission of a request

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

2. Payment of fees

A small fee (levies) must be paid. If you are proven right, you usually get these costs back.

3. Handling of the case

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

4. Verdict

The Rent Committee makes a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant does not agree, the case can still be presented to the court.

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 makes fair decisions based on the law.

• Fast: Procedures usually last a few months, shorter than many court 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 include other legal issues, such as termination of the lease or damages.

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 typically 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 such that you can submit your case without a lawyer. However, it can be useful to hire a lawyer to increase your chances.

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

4. Can I appeal a decision of the Rent Committee?
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 Committee for commercial leases (such as business premises)?
No, the Rent Committee only handles living space, not business space.