Dispute with Landlord in Rotterdam: Role of the Rent Committee
Unjustified rent increase in Rotterdam? The Rent Committee helps with disputes in social rental housing. Discover the procedure, your rights and local tips for Rotterdam residents.
In Rotterdam, where tens of thousands of social rental homes are located in neighborhoods such as Charlois, Feijenoord and IJsselmonde, the Rent Committee strictly reviews rent prices and increases. In case of rent that is too high or an unreasonable increase – often by Woonbron, Vestia or Havensteder – you must submit a request within 4 months after the effective date via their website (free of charge). Upload the tenancy agreement, the recent WOZ value of your Rotterdam property and the letter from the landlord. The committee hears both parties and issues a binding decision: the rent can be reduced retroactively, which is crucial in a city with high housing costs.
For service charge disputes, such as excessive VvE contributions in Rotterdam apartment buildings, the same route applies. For liberalized rent (above €879.66 as of 1 July 2024): no Rent Committee, but directly to the district court in Rotterdam. Note the time pressure: the landlord may not litigate itself during the proceedings. Extra success in Rotterdam for lack of maintenance in older complexes or poor energy performance (think of label G properties in Delfshaven). Success rate approximately 60% with good substantiation using local WOZ data and service charge overviews.
After the decision, the landlord must pay within 6 weeks. In case of non-compliance: penalty via the Rotterdam court. The Juridisch Loket in Rotterdam (address: Westersingel 1) offers free advice, including assistance with submission. This way, as a Rotterdam tenant, you save hundreds of euros per year on your housing costs. (248 words)