Who Pays Mediation or Rent Tribunal in the Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands, you can sometimes use mediation or the Rent Tribunal for disputes about rent, service charges, or repairs. Both routes help resolve conflicts without immediately going to court, but they differ in costs, who initiates them and which issues they handle. In this guide I clearly explain who usually pays for mediation or a Rent Tribunal procedure, what documents and costs commonly occur, and which steps you can take yourself to limit expenses. I also cover practical tips for communicating with the landlord and collecting evidence so you are stronger in a procedure.
Who pays what?
In mediation parties often share the costs or agree who pays. At the Rent Tribunal the applicant usually pays the fees, but the tribunal can allocate costs to one of the parties in its final decision. Legal rules on tenancy law are in Book 7 of the Civil Code [1] and the Rent Tribunal itself explains procedures and fees [2].
Common costs
- Mediator fee (hourly rate or package price).
- Fees for filing at the Rent Tribunal (application fees).
- Possible translation or travel costs for hearings.
Mediation
Mediation is voluntary unless otherwise agreed. Often both parties pay the mediator together; sometimes a landlord covers the costs as part of a service or to avoid escalation. Mediation is particularly suitable for communication problems and agreements about repairs or payment plans.
What you can do for mediation
- Prepare a short summary of the problem and prior communication (document).
- Bring evidence such as photos, payment proofs and correspondence.
- Create a priority list of what you want to achieve beforehand.
Rent Tribunal
The Rent Tribunal mainly handles matters about rent, service charges and defects. You submit an application to the Rent Tribunal and usually pay fees; the tribunal later decides whether and how costs are distributed [2]. For some complaints about living quality and rent you can go directly to the Rent Tribunal without mediation.
What you need for the Rent Tribunal
- Completed and signed application form (see Rent Tribunal procedures).
- Contract, payments, correspondence and photos as evidence.
- Proof of paid fees or request for exemption if applicable.
If it goes to court
For disputes that do not fall under the Rent Tribunal or if parties agree to go to the subdistrict court, different rules apply. The court can allocate legal costs and ultimately decides who bears which costs. For general government guidance and legal routes see official government pages [3].
Main steps for tenants
- Document the dispute with photos, contract and payment proofs.
- Check whether your issue falls under the Rent Tribunal before starting a procedure.
- Consider mediation as a first step to avoid costs and delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays the mediator?
- Parties usually pay together or according to a prior agreement; sometimes a landlord pays the mediator.
- Who pays Rent Tribunal costs?
- The applicant typically pays the fees; the Rent Tribunal can state in its decision which party should bear the costs.
- Must I try mediation first?
- No, mediation is not always required; for certain tenancy issues you can directly approach the Rent Tribunal or go to court.
How-To
- Check whether your dispute falls under the Rent Tribunal and whether you are within any deadlines (within).
- Gather evidence: contract, photos, payment receipts and correspondence.
- Complete the Rent Tribunal application form and attach all relevant evidence.
- Submit the application and pay fees or request an exemption.
- Prepare for written handling or an oral hearing and arrive on time.
Key Takeaways
- Good documentation strengthens your position in mediation or at the Rent Tribunal.
- Mediation can save time and money if both parties cooperate.
- Always meet deadlines to protect your rights and evidence.
Help and Support
- Rent Tribunal - official information and forms
- Wetten.nl - Civil Code Book 7 (Tenancy law)
- Government.nl - guidance for tenants
