Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Committee. This independent organization helps to resolve disputes about rental prices, service charges, maintenance and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not exactly know what the Rent Committee does, how a procedure proceeds 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 institution that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Think about:

• Too high rent at the start of a rental agreement

• Disputes about annual rent increases

• Disagreement about service charges

• Complaints about deferred 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 resolve it together. The most common situations are:

1. Rent check – Doubting whether the rent is too high? The Rent Committee can test this against the legal rules.

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

3. Service charges – For example, if there is uncertainty about costs for cleaning or energy.

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

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

How does a procedure at the Rent Committee work?

A procedure proceeds in different steps:

1. Submitting a request

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

2. Paying fees

A small fee (charges) must be paid. If you are ruled in favor, you usually get these costs back.

3. Handling of the case

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

4. Decision

The Rent Committee makes a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagree, can the case still be presented to the judge.

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 decides fairly 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 take other legal issues into account, such as termination of the rental agreement or compensation.

Sometimes it is wise to first try the Rent Committee, as this is less expensive and yields faster results.

Frequently asked questions about the Rent Committee

1. How much does a procedure at the Rent Committee cost?
The charges 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 Committee?
No, the procedures are designed in such a way that you can submit your case without a lawyer. However, it may 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 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, within eight weeks you can present the case to the judge if you disagree with the decision.

5. Can I also contact the Rent Committee for commercial rental contracts (such as business space)?
No, the Rent Committee only handles living space, not business space.