Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? You can often turn to the Rental Committee. This independent organization helps to resolve disputes about rent, 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 step by step.
What is the Rental Committee?
The Rental Committee is a national, independent institution that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Think of:
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A too high rental price at the start of a rental agreement
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Discussions about annual rent increases
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Disagreement about service costs
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Complaints about overdue 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 takes the case to court within eight 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 work it out together. The most common situations are:
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Rent check – Are you unsure whether 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 confusion about cleaning or energy costs.
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Maintenance defects – Consider mold, leaks or broken facilities.
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Deposit refund – In a dispute after the end of the rental period.
How does a procedure at the Rental Committee work?
A procedure goes through different steps:
1. Submitting a request
The tenant or landlord submits a petition. This can be done easily via the website of the Rental Committee.
2. Paying fees
A small fee (leges) must be paid. If you are proven right, you usually get these costs back.
3. Case processing
The Rental Committee looks at the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes the house itself is also visited.
4. Ruling
The Rental Committee makes a binding ruling. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees, can the case still be brought to court.
What are the benefits 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 decides fairly based on the law.
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Fast: Procedures usually last a few months, shorter than many legal procedures.
Difference between Rental Committee and court
Many people wonder: should I go to the Rental Committee or to court?
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Rental Committee: suitable for rental disputes over price, service costs or maintenance. The procedure is accessible and cheaper.
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Court: necessary if you also want to include other legal issues, such as dissolution of the rental contract or compensation.
Sometimes it is wise to first try the Rental Committee, because it is less costly and gives faster results.
Frequently asked questions about the Rental Committee
1. How much does a procedure at the Rental 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 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 lasts 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 Rental Committee?
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 Rental Committee for commercial rental contracts (such as business premises)?
No, the Rental Committee only handles living space, not business premises.
