Documents to File with Huurcommissie - Tenants Netherlands

Initial rent & rent check (Rent Tribunal) 3 min read · published September 11, 2025

As a tenant in the Netherlands, you may need to file a case with the Huurcommissie when you have questions about rent, service charges or defects. This guide clearly explains which documents you must gather, how to organize evidence and which deadlines and forms are important. We cover rental agreements, proof of payment, correspondence with the landlord and technical reports, and provide practical steps to submit an application to the Huurcommissie. We also mention where to find official forms and what support is available via government websites.

Which documents do you need?

For a strong case at the Huurcommissie, collect as many written and visual pieces of evidence as possible. Below are the most common documents you should prepare.

  • Signed rental agreement and attachments (document)
  • Proofs of rent payment and receipts (payments)
  • Specification of service charges and invoices (payments)
  • Correspondence with the landlord: emails and letters (mail)
  • Photos or videos of defects and the dates they were taken (photo)
  • Repair reports or quotes from professionals (repair)
Always keep both paper and digital copies of your evidence.

How to organize and submit evidence

Arrange your documents chronologically and create a simple index with dates and short descriptions. Number each page and make a copy for yourself before sending anything. Note important dates such as when you reported a defect and what response you received.

  • Create a table of contents referencing the pieces of evidence (document).
  • Complete the correct form of the Huurcommissie fully and attach your index (form).
  • Pay attention to deadlines and submission times; submit on time to preserve admissibility (deadline).
Respond within set time limits to avoid your case being declared inadmissible.

Step-by-step

Follow these steps to file a case with the Huurcommissie. The Huurcommissie deals with rent and service charge disputes and usually issues a written decision.[1]

  1. Gather all relevant documents and pieces of evidence (documents).
  2. Take clear photos/videos and create an overview of defects (photo).
  3. Fill in the application form on the Huurcommissie website and add your index (form).
  4. Attach proofs of payment and specifications of service charges (payments).
  5. Wait for the confirmation of receipt and possible summons for a hearing (hearing).
  6. Prepare for the hearing or seek assistance from a tenant support organization.
Clear indexing and short summaries make your file much easier for the tribunal to review.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What deadlines apply for filing a complaint with the Huurcommissie?
There is no single general deadline, but you must act promptly once you know the reason for the complaint; check specific deadlines on the Huurcommissie website.[1]
2. Do I need a lawyer to start a case?
No, tenants can file themselves; legal assistance can help with more complex cases but is not mandatory.
3. Which laws govern tenancy law in the Netherlands?
Tenancy law is mainly contained in Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code; consult the codified text for details.[2]

Steps to submit your application

  1. Check what type of dispute you have and whether the Huurcommissie is competent.
  2. Complete the digital form on the official Huurcommissie site and upload your index and evidence (form).
  3. Submit the application on time and note the date of submission (deadline).
  4. Prepare a short oral explanation in case of a hearing (hearing).

Key points

  • Collect documents systematically and number them chronologically.
  • Use the official application form of the Huurcommissie.
  • Keep careful track of deadlines and receipts.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] Huurcommissie
  2. [2] Wetten.nl
  3. [3] Government.nl
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Netherlands

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.