Rental Disputes in Rotterdam: Role and Procedure of the Rent Committee

In Rotterdam, with its many social rental properties in neighborhoods such as Charlois, Feijenoord, and IJsselmonde, the Rent Committee handles rental disputes in the social sector. What can you expect as a Rotterdam tenant and how does the local procedure work?

Scope of Application in Rotterdam

For social rental properties below the liberalization threshold (currently around €879.66 per month), the Rent Committee deals with rent increases, service charges such as VvE contributions in Rotterdam apartment buildings, and defects such as leaks in older housing association properties. Binding advice applies primarily to large landlords such as Woonbron, Vestia, and TRTL Personenvervoer. In Rotterdam, thousands of complaints are filed annually by tenants in the port city.

Filing and Process

Submit a complaint within two months of becoming aware of the problem via the online form on huurcommissie.nl. The committee organizes hearings, sometimes at Rotterdam locations, hears both parties, and decides within 6 to 10 weeks. Costs are €25 per procedure, free for those on minimum income via Rotterdam's special assistance. Local tips: first consult Woonpunt Rotterdam for advice.

To the Court in Rotterdam

Disagree with the binding advice? Proceed within six weeks to the sub-district judge at the Rotterdam District Court on Pomona-straat. For liberalized rental properties in Kralingen or Hillegersberg, only the judicial route applies. Successful Rotterdam cases have led to rent reductions of 20-40%, such as in cases of mold problems in housing association buildings. (248 words)