Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Committee. This independent organization helps resolve disputes about rents, service costs, maintenance, and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not exactly know what the Rent Committee does, how a procedure works, and what you can expect from them. In this article, we will 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. Think for example:

• Too high rent at the start of a lease

• Disputes over annual rent increases

• Disagreement about service costs

• Complaints about overdue maintenance

• Discussions about the amount of the deposit

The rulings 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 work it out together. The most common situations are:

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

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

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

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

5. Deposit refund – In case of a dispute after the end of the rental period.

How does a procedure at the Rent Committee work?

A procedure takes place 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. Payment of fees

A small fee (fees) must be paid. If you are proven right, you usually get these costs back.

3. Case treatment

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

4. Ruling

The Rent Committee issues a binding ruling. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees, the case can still be submitted 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 makes a fair decision based on the law.

• Fast: Procedures usually take a few months, which is shorter than many legal procedures.

Difference between Rent Committee and court

Many people wonder: do I need to go to the Rent Committee or to court?

• Rent Committee: suitable for rental disputes about price, service costs or maintenance. The procedure is low-threshold and cheaper.

• Court: necessary if you want to take along other legal matters, such as termination of the lease or compensation.

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

Frequently asked questions about the Rent Committee

1. How much does a procedure at the Rent Committee cost?
The levies 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 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 Rent Committee take?
On average, a procedure takes several months. This depends on the complexity of the case and the availability of the committee.

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

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