Tenant documents: mediation & Rent Tribunal Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands you may need to start mediation or file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal about the initial rent, service charges or maintenance. This guide helps you step by step which documents and pieces of evidence are useful, how to organize them and which deadlines apply. We explain in plain language which forms and evidence you need for mediation or a procedure at the Rent Tribunal, which legal references are often relevant and what preparations you can make to present your case clearly. The text is aimed at tenants without a legal background and gives practical action points to strengthen your position in a rental dispute in the Netherlands.
Which documents do you need?
Before you request mediation or start a case with the Rent Tribunal, gather as many relevant papers and digital files as possible. Think of the contract, proof of payments and evidence of defects. Below is an overview of commonly required items and why they matter.
- Lease contract and attachments (document)
- Proofs of payment and bank statements (payment)
- Photos of defects, inspection reports and quotes (evidence)
- Correspondence with the landlord, including emails and texts (document)
- Service charge breakdowns and annual statements (payment)
Legal basis and authorities
The main legal rules on tenancy law are in the Civil Code Book 7 [1]. For many rent and service charge questions the Rent Tribunal can be involved [2]. General guidance and tenant information can also be found via official government channels [3].
How to present evidence effectively?
Organize your evidence chronologically and create a short table of contents so the mediator or assessor can quickly see what matters. Number documents and refer in a short cover note to the relevant pages or photo files.
- Create a short index of all attachments with date and brief description (document)
- Record important dates: notification dates, defect dates and payment dates (deadline)
- Ensure digital files are clearly named and legible (form)
Frequently asked questions
- Which documents should I bring to mediation?
- Bring the lease, proofs of payment, correspondence, photos of defects and service charge breakdowns.
- How do I request a rent check at the Rent Tribunal?
- Submit an application via the Rent Tribunal website with copies of relevant documents and a short explanation of your complaint.
- How quickly must I respond to a request or summons?
- Respond within the stated deadline in the message; if in doubt, seek advice or legal assistance promptly.
How-To
- Collect the lease agreement and all attachments (document)
- Sort proofs of payment and make a monthly overview (payment)
- Take photos and gather inspection reports (evidence)
- Record all dates of notices and responses (deadline)
- Arrange mediation or request a rent check from the Rent Tribunal and attach documents (form)
- Submit the application according to instructions and keep a copy of the submission (form)
- Prepare a short oral summary with the main points (tip)
Help and support
- Rent Tribunal - official site and forms
- Wetten.nl - Civil Code Book 7
- Government.nl - tenant information
