Do you have a dispute with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Committee. This independent organization helps to resolve disputes about rent prices, service charges, maintenance and other rental issues. Many tenants and landlords, however, do not exactly know what the Rent Committee does, how a procedure is conducted 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 agency that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Considerations include:

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

• Disagreements about annual rent increases

• Disagreements about service costs

• Complaints about deferred maintenance

• Disagreements about the amount of the deposit

The decisions of the Rent Committee are binding unless any of the parties steps up to the court within eight weeks.

👉 Official website: rentcommittee.nl

When can you go to the Rent Committee?

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

1. Rent Check – Are you unsure 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 costs – For instance, if there is ambiguity about cleaning or energy costs.

4. Maintenance defects – Such as mold, leaks or broken amenities.

5. Repayment of deposit – 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. Submission of a request

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

2. Payment of fees

A small fee (registration fees) must be paid. If you are justified, these costs usually come back.

3. Processing of the case

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

4. Judgement

The Rent Committee gives a binding judgement. Only if you or your landlord/tenant do not agree with it, can the case 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 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 court?

• Rent Committee: suitable for rental disputes over price, service costs or maintenance. The procedure is accessible and cheaper.

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

Sometimes it is wise to first try the Rent Committee, as this 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 registration 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 Committee?
No, the procedures are designed so 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 lasts several months. This depends on the complexity of the case and the availability of the committee.

4. Can I appeal a decision from the Rent Committee?
Yes, within eight weeks, you can submit the case to the court if you do not agree with the verdict.

5. Can I also go to the Rent Committee for commercial rental contracts (such as business premises)?
No, the Rent Committee only deals with living spaces, not business premises.