Tenant Dispute with Landlord: Role of the Rent Tribunal
Unjustified rent increase? The Rent Tribunal helps with disputes. Discover the procedure and your rights as a tenant.
The Rent Tribunal assesses rent prices and increases for social housing. In case of rent that is too high or an unreasonable increase, you must submit a request within 4 months after the effective date via their website (free of charge). Provide the tenancy agreement, WOZ value and landlord's letter. The tribunal hears both parties and issues a binding decision: rent can be reduced with retroactive effect. The same route applies to disputes over service charges. For liberalised rent (above €879.66): no intervention, but via the district court. Time pressure: landlord may not litigate during the proceedings. Success in cases of lack of maintenance or energy label. Success rate 60% with proper substantiation. After the decision: landlord pays within 6 weeks. In case of non-compliance: coercive fine. Legal Aid Office advises free of charge. This way you save hundreds of euros per year. (201 words)