Rent Disputes Committee Delft: Alternative to Termination Procedure for Rental Agreement

In Delft, with its many student accommodations and monumental buildings, the Rent Committee (article 7:251 CC) offers a low-threshold alternative to termination due to rent price or defects. Binding decisions often prevent court proceedings before the district court in The Hague. Local landlords and tenants, such as TU Delft students, report disputes within two months after the invoice or discovery.

Procedure and Binding Advice in Delft

The committee assesses the reasonableness of the rent price and the state of maintenance, taking into account Delft-specific characteristics such as moisture problems in old canal houses. In case of non-compliance, first rent reduction or repair obligation follows, only thereafter risk of termination. This saves time and costs compared to going to the district court, ideal for the busy Delft rental market.

Advantages and Limitations for Delft Tenants

Perfect for rent arrears due to defects, such as leaks in historic homes; the tenant receives remission. Not suitable for nuisance complaints, such as neighbor disputes in student houses. Decisions are directly enforceable with enforcement order via the bailiff.

Practice in Delft and region: approximately 70% of rent disputes are resolved without court, with special attention to the local housing shortage.