Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rental Committee. This independent organization helps to resolve disputes about rent prices, service costs, maintenance, and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not know exactly what the Rental 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 Rental Committee?
The Rental Committee is a national, independent body that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Think of:
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An excessively high rental price at the start of a lease
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Discussions about annual rental increases
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Disagreement about service costs
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Complaints about outstanding maintenance
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Discussions about the height of the deposit
The rulings of the Rental Committee are binding unless one of the parties goes to court within 8 weeks.
👉 Official website: rentalcommittee.nl
When can you go to the Rental Committee?
You can start a procedure at the Rental Committee if you and your landlord (or tenant) cannot figure it out together. The most common situations are:
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Rental price check – Not sure if the rent is too high? The Rental Committee can test this against the legal rules.
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Rent increase – If you disagree with a proposed rent increase.
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Service costs – For example, if there is no clarity about cleaning or energy costs.
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Maintenance defects – Think of mold, leaks or broken facilities.
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Repayment of deposit – In a dispute after the end of the rental period.
How does a procedure work at the Rental Committee?
A procedure happens in different steps:
1. Submitting a request
The tenant or the landlord submits an application. This can be easily done via the website of the Rental Committee.
2. Paying fees
A small fee (legal fees) must be paid. If you are proven right, you usually get these costs back.
3. Handling of the case
The Rental Committee looks at the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes the residence itself is also visited.
4. Decision
The Rental Committee makes a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees, the case can still be presented to a judge.
What are the advantages of the Rental Committee?
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Accessible: You do not need a lawyer.
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Affordable: The costs are relatively low.
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Independent: The committee is neutral and makes fair decisions based on the law.
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Fast: Procedures usually take several months, shorter than many legal procedures.
Difference between Rental Committee and judge
Many people wonder: should I go to the Rental Committee or to the judge?
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Rental Committee: suitable for rental disputes about price, service costs or maintenance. The procedure is accessible and cheaper.
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Judge: necessary if you also want to take other legal issues into account, such as dissolution of the rental agreement or compensation.
Sometimes it is wise to try the Rental Committee first, because it is less costly and yields faster results.
Frequently asked questions about the Rental Committee
1. How much does a procedure at the Rental 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 Rental Committee?
No, the procedures are designed so that you can submit your case without a lawyer. However, hiring a lawyer can be useful to increase your chances.
3. How long does a procedure at the Rental 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 Rental Committee?
Yes, within eight weeks you can present the case to a judge if you disagree with the decision.
5. Can I also go to the Rental Committee for commercial rental contracts (such as business space)?
No, the Rental Committee only handles housing, not business space.
