Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Commission. 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 Commission 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 Commission?

The Rent Commission is a national, independent body that deals with disputes between tenants and landlords. Consider:

• An excessive rent at the start of a lease

• Disputes about annual rent increases

• Disagreement about service costs

• Complaints about overdue maintenance

• Disputes about the amount of the deposit

The decisions of the Rent Commission are binding, unless one of the parties goes to court within eight weeks.

👉 Official website: rentcommission.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) do not agree. The most common situations are:

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

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

3. Service charges – For example, when there is confusion about cleaning or energy costs.

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

5. Refund 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 takes place in different steps:

1. Filing a request

The tenant or landlord submits a petition. This can be easily done via the website of the Rent Commission.

2. Payment of 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 Commission looks at the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes the house itself is also visited.

4. Verdict

The Rent Commission makes a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagree can the case still be brought to court.

What are the advantages of the Rent Commission?

• 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 judicial procedures.

Difference between Rent Commission and judge

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

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

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

Sometimes it is wise to try the Rent Commission first, as this is less costly and yields faster results.

Frequently asked questions about the Rent Commission

1. How much does a procedure at the Rent Commission cost?
The fees usually vary 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, hiring a lawyer may 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 committee.

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

5. Can I also go to the Rent Commission for commercial rental contracts (such as commercial space)?
No, the Rent Commission only handles living space, not commercial space.