Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Commission. This independent organisation helps to resolve disputes about rents, service charges, maintenance and other rental issues. Many tenants and landlords, however, do not exactly know what the Rent Commission does, how a procedure goes 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 nationwide, independent institute that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. Think of:
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A too high rent at the start of a rental agreement
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Discussions about annual rent increases
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Disagreement about service charges
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Complaints about overdue maintenance
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Discussions 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) cannot work it out together. The most common situations are:
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Rent check – Are you doubting whether the rent is too high? The Rent Commission can test this against the legal rules.
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Rent increase – If you disagree with a proposed rent increase.
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Service charges – For example, in case of unclearness about cleaning or energy costs.
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Maintenance defects – Think of mould, 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. Submitting a request
The tenant or landlord submits a request. This can be done easily via the Rent Commission’s website.
2. Paying of fees
A small fee (fees) must be paid. If you are proven right, you usually get these costs back.
3. Processing of the case
The Rent Commission reviews the documents and can organise 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 disagrees, the case can still be presented to the court.
What are the advantages of the Rent Commission?
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Accessible: You don’t need a lawyer.
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Affordable: The costs are relatively low.
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Independent: The commission is neutral and decides fairly based on the law.
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Fast: Procedures usually take a few months, shorter than many legal procedures.
Difference between Rent Commission and court
Many people wonder: should I go to the Rent Commission or to the court?
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Rent Commission: suitable for rental disputes about price, service charges or maintenance. The procedure is low-threshold and cheaper.
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Court: necessary if you also want to address other legal issues, such as dissolution of the rental agreement or compensation.
Sometimes it’s wise to try the Rent Commission first, because it’s less expensive and gives quicker 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 so that you can submit your case without a lawyer. Still, calling in a lawyer might be useful to increase your chances.
3. How long does a procedure at the Rent Commission last?
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 present the case to a court if you disagree with the decision.
5. Can I also go to the Rent Commission for commercial rental contracts (such as business premises)?
No, the Rent Commission only handles living space, not business premises.
