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 over rent prices, 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 explain it step by step.

What is the Rent Committee?

The Rent Committee is a national, independent body that deals with disputes between tenants and landlords. Think of:

• A too high rent at the start of a lease

• Discussions about annual rent increases

• Disagreement over service costs

• Complaints about overdue maintenance

• Discussions 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 agree. The most common situations are:

1. Rent check – Do you doubt 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 example, in case of uncertainty about costs for cleaning or energy.

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

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

How does a procedure at the Rent 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 Rent Committee.

2. Paying the fees

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

3. Handling of the case

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

4. Verdict

The Rent Committee makes a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees, can the case still be submitted 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 commission is neutral and decides fairly based on the law.

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

Difference between the Rent Committee and the judge

Many people wonder: should I go to the Rent Committee or to the judge?

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

• Judge: necessary if you also want to involve other legal issues, such as dissolution of the lease or compensation.

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

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

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