Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? You can often go to the Rent Committee. This independent organization helps resolve disputes over rents, service charges, maintenance, and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not know exactly what the Rent Committee does, how a process is run 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 institution that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. These include:

• Too high rent price at the start of a rental agreement

• Discussions about annual rent increase

• Disagreement over service charges

• Complaints about backdated maintainance

• Debates over the size of the deposit

The decisions of the Rent Committee are binding unless one of the parties files a complaint to the court within eight weeks.

👉 Official website: rentcommittee.nl

When can you go to the Rent Committee?

You can start a procedure with the Rent Committee if you and your landlord (or tenant) can’t work it out. The most common situations are:

1. Rent price check – Are you doubting if the rent price is too high? The Rent Committee can verify this against statutory regulations.

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

3. Service charges – For example, when there is a lack of clarity about cleaning or energy costs.

4. Maintenance defects – Think of mold, leakage or broken provisions.

5. Reimbursement of deposit – In case of a dispute at the end of the rent period.

How does a procedure with the Rent Committee work?

A procedure takes place in different steps:

1. Filing up a request

The tenant or landlord files a request. This can be simply done via the website of the Rent Committee.

2. Payment of leges

A small fee (leges) has to be paid. The charges usually get reimbursed if you are right.

3. Handling of the case

The Rent Committee examines the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes, also the house itself is visited.

4. Verdict

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

What are the benefits 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 law.

• Fast: Procedures usually take several months, shorter than the many judicial procedures.

Difference between Rent Committee and judge

Lots of people ask themselves: do I need to go to the Rent Committee or to the court?

• Rent Committee: suited for rental disputes about cost, service charges or maintenance. The procedure is accessible and cheaper.

• Court: needed if other legal issues must be considered, like termination of the rental agreement or compensation for damage.

It is sometimes more beneficial to try the Rent Committee first, because it is less expensive and gives quicker results.

Frequently asked questions about the Rent Committee

1. How much is a procedure with the Rent Committee?
The leges usually vary from €25 to €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. Yet, a lawyer can be helpful to increase your chances.

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

4. Can I appeal against a decision of the Rent Committee?
Yes, within eight weeks you can submit the case to the court if you disagree with the decision.

5. Can I also go to the Rent Committee for commercial rental contracts (like business premises)?
No, the Rent Committee only handles living space, not commercial space.