Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Often you can go to the Rent Commission. This independent organization helps resolve disputes about rental prices, service charges, maintenance, and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not precisely know what the Rent Commission does, what a procedure looks like, 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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A too high rental price at the start of a lease
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Disputes over annual rental increases
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Disagreements about service costs
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Complaints about overdue maintenance
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Disputes 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: rentcommission.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 work it out together. The most common situations are:
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Rent price check – Are you unsure whether the rent is too high? The Rent Commission can test this against the legal rules.
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Rental increase – If you disagree with a proposed rent increase.
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Service charges – For example, if there is uncertainty 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 at the Rent Commission work?
A procedure takes place in different steps:
1. Submission of a request
The tenant or landlord submits a petition. This can be done simply via the Rent Commission’s website.
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. Case treatment
The Rent Commission looks at the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes the dwelling itself is also visited.
4. Decision
The Rent Commission makes a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees, the case can still be presented to the court.
What are the benefits of the Rent Commission?
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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 commission is neutral and decides fairly based on the law.
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Fast: Procedures usually take several months, shorter than many legal procedures.
Difference between Rent Commission and judge
Many people wonder: should I go to the Rent Commission or to the court?
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Rent Commission: suitable for rental disputes about price, service costs, or maintenance. The procedure is low-threshold and cheaper.
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Judge: necessary if you also want to include other legal issues, such as dissolution of the lease or compensation.
Sometimes it is wise to try the Rent Commission first, as this is less costly and gives quicker 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 in a way that you can submit your case without a lawyer. However, hiring a lawyer can be helpful to increase your chances.
3. How long does a procedure at the Rent Commission take?
On average, a procedure takes several months. This depends on the complexity of the case and the availability of the commission.
4. Can I appeal a decision of the Rent Commission?
Yes, within eight weeks you can present the case to the court if you disagree with the decision.
5. Can I also go to the Rent Commission for commercial rental contracts (such as business premises)?
No, the Rent Commission only handles living space, not business space.
