Filing a Complaint in Rijswijk
As a tenant in Rijswijk who is dissatisfied with your landlord or housing corporation, you can file a complaint. A well-formulated complaint can lead to a solution and is often a necessary first step for further legal actions.
What Complaints Can You File?
| Type of Complaint | Contact Point | Example Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs | Landlord's technical service | Unresolved leak |
| Customer Service | Customer contact center | No response to questions |
| Employee Behavior | Complaints handler | Unfriendly approach |
| Policy Decision | Management or board | Unreasonable rent increase |
| Process | Complaints committee | Rejection of home swap request |
Ways to File a Complaint
- By telephone or in person: Contact the landlord
- In writing: Send a letter or email
- Digitally: Use the online portal or form
Advice for an Effective Complaint
How to Make Your Complaint Strong
- Formulate your problem clearly and specifically
- Mention relevant dates and details
- Indicate the solution you desire
- Set a realistic deadline
- Keep copies of all correspondence
- Request an acknowledgment of receipt
Role of the Complaints Committee
Many housing corporations in Rijswijk have a complaints committee:
- Independent evaluation of your complaint
- Option after internal rejection
- Advice or binding decision possible
- No costs involved for tenants
What If the Complaint Is Not Resolved?
If your complaint in Rijswijk is not addressed, you can consider next steps:
- Rent Tribunal (for rent disputes or housing defects)
- District Court via The Hague District Court (for legal conflicts)
- Woonbond (for advice and assistance)
- Juridisch Loket Rijswijk (for free legal support)
How Long May a Landlord Take to Handle a Complaint?
A standard response period is 6 weeks. For complex matters, this may take longer, but the landlord must keep you regularly informed of the status.
What If My Complaint Is Rejected?
In case of rejection, you can involve the complaints committee or directly contact the Rent Tribunal or district court, depending on the nature of the problem.
Is Anonymous Complaining Possible?
Filing a complaint anonymously is often not possible, as the landlord needs your details to take action. You can, however, request discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Complaints in Rijswijk
What are my rights as a tenant in Rijswijk?
As a tenant, you have the right to a safe, well-maintained home, protection against unjustified rent increases, and the ability to report defects if the home is not habitable.
May my landlord increase the rent arbitrarily?
No, rent increases must comply with statutory rules. The landlord must inform you in writing at least two months in advance and may not exceed the permitted limit.
What happens to my deposit?
The deposit must be kept by the landlord in a separate account and refunded within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, provided no damage has been found.
How do I terminate my tenancy in Rijswijk?
You can terminate your tenancy by observing the notice period in your contract. This usually needs to be done in writing via the landlord.
What do I do if my home is in poor condition?
Request the landlord in writing to carry out repairs. If no action is taken within a reasonable period, you may have the repairs done yourself and offset the costs against the rent, provided it is well documented.