Housing Disputes Committee for Delft Residents

Housing Disputes Committee for Delft Residents

The Housing Disputes Committee provides Delft residents with an independent way to resolve disputes with contractors, real estate agents or sellers regarding the purchase of homes, apartments and housing matters. It is a low-threshold, fast and affordable alternative to the District Court of The Hague, with binding decisions that are particularly useful for local new-build projects in neighborhoods such as Delftse Hout or Harnaschpolder.

What does the Housing Disputes Committee do?

This committee, part of De Geschillencommissie (formerly SGC), handles complaints from consumers in Delft about defects in new-build homes, delivery issues, homeowners' association problems and purchase agreements. It aligns with consumer law on housing, similar to issues with furniture and kitchens. The panels consist of a lawyer-chairperson and housing experts, focused on practical solutions for Delft residents.

Legal basis

The Housing Disputes Committee is based on Articles 7:908-7:910 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), which obliges affiliated companies to handle disputes. It is recognized by the ACM under the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act (EU Directive 2013/11/EU). Companies display membership in their terms and conditions. For Delft new-build projects, the Housing Quality Requirements (Decree on Buildings and Living Environment) and Article 7:17 DCC on non-conformity also apply, in line with Municipality of Delft rules.

When to approach the committee as a Delft resident?

Delft homebuyers can turn to it for:

• Disputes over home purchases with defects (e.g., leaks in historic buildings or new-builds).
• The counterparty (local contractor/agent) is affiliated.
• You first attempted amicable resolution (via complaint letter).
• Claim up to €25,000 (above that, go to District Court of The Hague).

Check membership at degeschillencommissie.nl.

Procedure in steps

1. File complaint: Complete the online form with evidence (invoices, photos, emails). Costs: €25-€125 court fee, refunded if successful.
2. Hearing: Written and/or oral (after 6-8 weeks). Parties attend, possibly in The Hague area.
3. Decision: Within 4 weeks after hearing; binding on company, 2 weeks to reconsider for you.
4. Enforcement: Report non-compliance to ACM; penalty payment possible.

Rights and obligations

Your rights as a Delft resident:

• Free advice via Juridisch Loket Delft.
• Enforce binding decision.
• Cost reimbursement if you win.

Your obligations:

• File written complaint with company (keep proof).
• Attend hearing on time.
• Accept decision (or go to District Court of The Hague within 2 weeks).

Delft practice cases

Case 1: Mr. Jansen from Delft-Zuid buys a new-build home. Leak due to finishing defects. Contractor ignores. After demand, Jansen wins €10,000 via committee.

Case 2: Ms. De Vries in homeowners' association building complains about faulty elevator. Committee: Association repairs, costs on supplier.

Case 3: Apartment buyers demand kitchen (see furniture and kitchens). Non-conformity upheld: €5,000 compensation.

Comparison with District Court of The Hague

FAQs for Delft

Tips for Delft residents

• Document thoroughly: photos, emails, delivery report with reservations (check with Municipality of Delft).
• Send registered letter (template via juridischloket.nl).
• Scan terms for membership at purchase.
• Complex? Contact Juridisch Loket Delft or Arslan Advocaten (free initial consultation).
• See also: Buying a new-build home, Homeowners' association law.

For housing disputes in Delft, the Disputes Committee is ideal. Questions? Call Arslan Advocaten or Juridisch Loket Delft.