Do you have a conflict with your landlord or tenant? Then you can often go to the Rent Tribunal. This independent organization helps to resolve disputes about rental prices, service charges, maintenance, and other rental issues. However, many tenants and landlords do not exactly know what the Rental Tribunal does, how a procedure works and what you can expect from them. In this article, we explain it step by step.
What is the Rental Tribunal?
The Rental Tribunal is a national, independent institution that deals with disputes between tenants and landlords. Consider the following:
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An excessively high rental price at the start of a lease
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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 Rental Tribunal are binding, unless one of the parties goes to court within eight weeks.
👉 Official website: renttribunal.nl
When can you go to the Rental Tribunal?
You can start a procedure at the Rental Tribunal if you and your landlord (or tenant) cannot figure it out together. The most common situations are:
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Rent price check – Are you doubting whether the rent is too high? The Rental Tribunal can test this against the statutory rules.
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Rent increase – If you disagree with a proposed rent increase.
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Service charges – For instance, when there is a lack of clarity about costs for cleaning or energy.
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Maintenance defects – Think of mold, leaks or broken facilities.
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Refund of deposit – In case of a dispute after the end of the rental period.
How does a procedure at the Rental Tribunal work?
A procedure involves various steps:
1. Submission of a request
The tenant or landlord submits a petition. This can easily be done via the Rental Tribunal’s website.
2. Payment of fees
A small fee (levy) has to be paid. If you win the case, you usually get these costs back.
3. Handling of the case
The Rental Tribunal reviews the documents and can organize a hearing. Sometimes the property itself is also visited.
4. Ruling
The Rental Tribunal makes a binding ruling. Only if you or your landlord/tenant disagrees can the case still be presented to the court.
What are the benefits of the Rental Tribunal?
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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 commission is neutral and decides fairly based on the law.
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Fast: Procedures usually take a few months, shorter than many judicial procedures.
Difference between Rental Tribunal and court
Many people wonder: should I go to the Rental Tribunal or to court?
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Rental Tribunal: suitable for rental disputes over price, service charges or maintenance. The procedure is accessible and cheaper.
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Court: 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 Rental Tribunal first, because it is less costly and yields faster results.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rental Tribunal
1. How much does a procedure at the Rental Tribunal cost?
The levies usually range from €25 to €450, depending on the type of case and whether you are a tenant or landlord.
2. Do I need a lawyer for the Rental Tribunal?
No, the procedures are designed so that you can submit your case without a lawyer. However, hiring a lawyer can be helpful to increase your chances.
3. How long does a procedure at the Rental Tribunal 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 a ruling of the Rental Tribunal?
Yes, within eight weeks you can present the case to the judge if you disagree with the ruling.
5. Can I also go to the Rental Tribunal for commercial rental contracts (such as business space)?
No, the Rental Tribunal only deals with living spaces, not business spaces.
