Do you have a dispute with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Commission. This independent organization helps to resolve disputes about rent prices, service costs, maintenance and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not know exactly what the Rent Commission 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 Commission?
The Rent Commission is a national, independent institution that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Think about:
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A too high rent price at the start of a rental agreement
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Debates about annual rent increases
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Disagreement about service costs
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Complaints about overdue maintenance
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Debates about the amount of the deposit
The rulings of the Rent Commission are binding, unless one of the parties goes to court within eight weeks.
👉 Official website: huurcommissie.nl
When can you go to the Rent Commission?
You can start a procedure at the Rent Commission if you and your landlord (or tenant) don’t get it together. The most common situations are:
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Rentcheck – Do you doubt if the rent is too high? The Rent Commission can test this against the legal rules.
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Rent increase – If you do not agree with a proposed rent increase.
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Service costs – For example, in case of uncertainty about cleaning or energy costs.
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Maintenance deficiencies – Think of mold, leaks or broken facilities.
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Repayment of deposit – In case of a dispute after the end of the rental period.
How does a procedure at the Rent Commission work?
A procedure proceeds in different steps:
1. Submission of a request
The tenant or landlord submits a petition. This can be done easily via the website of the Rent Commission.
2. Paying leges
A small fee (leges) must be paid. If you are proved right, you usually get back these costs.
3. Handling of the case
The Rent Commission looks at the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes the property itself is also visited.
4. Decision
The Rent Commission makes a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant do not agree, the case can still be submitted to the court.
What are the benefits of the Rent Commission?
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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 judicial procedures.
Difference between Rent Commission and court
Many people ask themselves: should I go to the Rent Commission or to the court?
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Rent Commission: suitable for rental disputes about price, service cost or maintenance. The procedure is accessible and cheaper.
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Court: necessary if you also want to take other legal issues into account, such as termination of the rental agreement or compensation.
Sometimes it is wise to try the Rent Commission first, because it is less costly and gives faster results.
Frequently asked questions about the Rent Commission
1. How much does a procedure at the Rent Commission cost?
The 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 Commission?
No, the procedures are designed in such a way that you can submit your case without a lawyer. However, engaging a lawyer can be useful to increase your chances.
3. How long does a procedure at the Rent Commission take?
On average, a procedure takes a few months. This depends on the complexity of the case and the availability of the commission.
4. Can I appeal against a decision of the Rent Commission?
Yes, within eight weeks you can submit the case to the court if you do not agree with the decision.
5. Can I also go to the Rent Commission for commercial leases (such as business premises)?
No, the Rent Commission only handles living space, not business space.
