Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Committee. This independent organization helps in resolving disputes over rent prices, 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. 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 the following:

• An excessively high rent at the start of a lease

• Disputes over annual rent increases

• Disagreement over service charges

• Complaints about overdue maintenance

• Discussions 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) can’t work it out together. The most common situations are:

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

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

3. Service charges – For example, if there is disagreement about the cost of cleaning or energy.

4. Maintenance defects – Think of mould, leaks or broken facilities.

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

How does a procedure work at the Rent Committee?

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 (fees) must be paid. If you are found to be correct, you will 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. Judgement

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

What are the advantages of the Rent Committee?

• Accessible: You don’t need a lawyer.

• Affordable: The costs are relatively low.

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

• Fast: Procedures usually last a few 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 rent 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 dissolution of the lease or compensation.

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

Frequently asked questions about the Rent Committee

1. How much does a procedure at the Rent Committee cost?
The fees are usually 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, it can be handy to engage a lawyer to increase your chances.

3. How long does a procedure at the Rent Committee take?
On average, a procedure takes a few 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, you can present the case to the judge within eight weeks if you do not agree with the decision.

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