Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Committee. This independent organization helps resolve disputes about rent prices, service charges, maintenance and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not exactly know what the Rent Committee 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 Committee?

The Rent Committee is a national, independent institution that handles disputes between tenants and landlords. This includes:

• An excessive rental price at the start of a lease

• Discussions about annual rent increases

• Disagreement about service costs

• Complaints about overdue maintenance

• Discussions about the amount of the deposit

The decisions of the Rent Committee are binding, unless either party steps 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 figure it out together. The most common situations are:

1. Rent Check – Are you doubting whether the rent is too high? The Rent Committee can check this against the legal rules.

2. Rent Increase – If you disagree with a proposed rent increase.

3. Service Costs – For instance, when there is confusion about costs for cleaning or energy.

4. Maintenance issues – Think about mold, leaks or broken appliances.

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 proceeds in different steps:

1. Filing a request

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

2. Payment of legal fees

A small fee (legal fees) needs to be paid. If you are ruled in favor, you usually get these costs back.

3. Handling of the case

The Rent Committee reviews the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes they also visit the property.

4. Decision

The Rent Committee gives a binding decision. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees with the decision, the case can still be presented to the court.

What are the advantages of the Rent Committee?

• Accessible: You don’t need a lawyer.

• Affordable: The costs are relatively low.

• Independent: The committee is neutral and makes a fair decision based on the law.

• Fast: Procedures usually take several months, which is shorter than many legal procedures.

Difference between Rent Committee and a judge

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

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

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

Sometimes it’s wise to first try the Rent Committee, because it’s less expensive and gives faster results.

Frequently asked questions about the Rent Committee

1. How much does a procedure at the Rent Committee cost?
The legal fees generally 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 file your case without a lawyer. Yet, it could 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 against a decision of the Rent Committee?
Yes, within eight weeks you can present 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 office space)?
No, the Rent Committee only deals with residential space, not commercial space.