Common Hearing Preparation Mistakes - Tenants NL

As a tenant in the Netherlands, a hearing at the Rent Tribunal or district court can be stressful and confusing. This text helps you avoid common mistakes when preparing: incomplete evidence, submitting documents late, poor responses to summonses, or missing clear timeline proofs. I explain in simple steps which documents are useful, which deadlines matter, and how to present evidence clearly. I also discuss practical tips about maintenance claims and small repairs so you know when the landlord is responsible. With this guide you can attend a hearing more confidently, make better decisions faster, and improve your chances of a positive outcome.

Common mistakes

• Incomplete or poorly organized evidence, such as photos without dates or unclear notes.
• Missing deadlines for submitting documents or responding to summonses.
• No proof of maintenance requests for complaints about repairs or small fixes.
• No copy of important forms, summonses or official correspondence.
• Missing contact details of witnesses or unclear statements.
• Incomplete payment records for rent arrears or service charges.

Checklist: evidence and documents

• Rental agreement or contract with signature and start date.
• Photos and videos with clear dates and files showing location.
• Email correspondence and written maintenance requests to the landlord.
• Bank statements, payment receipts and rent payment proofs.
• Official letters, summonses or decisions you have received.

What to do for maintenance claims

Report each problem in writing and keep a copy. Describe the defect concretely, add photos and note when you reported it. If it concerns who pays for maintenance or small repairs, consult clear guidance about maintenance responsibility or internal guidance such as 3Ca href="/onderhoud-en-kleine-herstellingen-wie-betaalt-wat"3EMaintenance and small repairs (who pays what)3C/a3E.

If you intend to go to the Rent Tribunal, check their procedures and deadlines in advance to avoid submitting documents late^[1].

Practical tips for the hearing day

• Arrive on time and check in advance where the hearing takes place.
• Bring enough copies of all documents and pieces of evidence.
• Dress neutrally and ensure you appear calm and professional.
• Record names and contact details of attendees and witnesses.
• Stick to the facts: state dates, amounts and concrete actions, not long emotional stories.

FAQ

Do I always have to go to the Rent Tribunal?

The Rent Tribunal handles specific rental disputes such as service charges and rent ceilings; for other matters the district court may be competent.

Which deadline applies for submitting documents?

Deadlines differ per procedure: check the summons or procedure information and respond in time to be allowed to bring evidence.^[2]

What if my landlord does not respond to repair requests?

Keep requesting in writing, collect evidence and consider a complaint at the Rent Tribunal or legal action if the situation does not improve.^[3]

How-To

1. Collect all relevant documents: rental agreement, photos, emails and payment proofs.
2. Organize documents chronologically and make clear copies for the hearing.
3. Check all deadlines and submit documents on time according to the summons or procedure.
4. Inform witnesses and note their contact details; ask if they can attend.
5. At the hearing, be concise and factual and refer to the main pieces of evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

• Huurcommissie - information and contact
• Wetten.nl - Civil Code Book 7 (rental law)
• Government.nl - information for tenants

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