When mediation is mandatory in Amsterdam rental cases

In Amsterdam rental cases, mediation is not always mandatory, but it is crucial in specific situations due to the tight housing market. For rent increases exceeding the standard, the landlord must first offer mediation or a Rent Committee procedure (art. 7:247 DCC). For disputes over service charges, such as high VvE contributions in canal houses, or indexation, an attempt at an amicable settlement is required before approaching the court. In eviction procedures due to non-payment, often seen in Amsterdam backlog neighbourhoods like the Bijlmer, a hearing and improvement obligation applies which includes mediation. The Quality of Rental Disputes Act stipulates that Amsterdam courts may impose mediation. Benefits: it relieves the overburdened district court judge in Amsterdam and promotes consultation between tenants and landlords. Non-compliance leads to rejection of the claim. Typical Amsterdam examples: a tenant in the Jordaan complains about leaks in a monumental building, or a landlord in De Pijp about nuisance from Airbnb – mediation is the first step via the Amsterdam Rental Team or local mediators. Choose an MfN-registered mediator from the Mediators Instituut Nederland. In case of failure, a proces-verbaal serves as evidence. Tenants in Amsterdam can get free help at the Juridisch Loket on Ferdinand Bolstraat or via Woonbelangen Amsterdam. In summary: the obligation depends on the type of dispute, but in the Amsterdam context, it pays off extra for quick, affordable solutions.