When is mediation mandatory in rental disputes in Rijswijk

In Rijswijk, a vibrant municipality in the Haaglanden region, mediation in rental law is not always mandatory, but it is crucial in specific cases to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords in neighbourhoods such as Innen or the city centre. For rent increases exceeding the statutory standard, the landlord in Rijswijk must first offer mediation or a procedure before the Rent Tribunal (art. 7:247 DCC). This also applies to disputes over service charges, such as maintenance of green areas in parks like the Huys van Rijswijk, or rent indexation. For evictions due to non-payment, a hearing and improvement obligation applies, often fulfilled through mediation via local agencies. The Quality of Rental Disputes Act enables courts in The Hague, which handle Rijswijk cases, to impose mediation. The benefits are evident: it relieves the overburdened courts and promotes consultation between parties in this densely populated municipality. Ignoring this obligation risks dismissal of the claim. Typical examples in Rijswijk: a tenant in a flat on Godfrey van Bolhuislaan complains about leaks after heavy rainfall, or a landlord reports nuisance by young people on Leeuwardenlaan – mediation is then the mandatory first step. Select a registered mediator from the register of the Netherlands Mediation Institute or via the local network in Haaglanden. If mediation fails, a proces-verbal serves as evidence for the court. Tenants in Rijswijk can obtain free assistance from the Legal Counter in The Hague or via the municipality's neighbourhood teams. In summary: the obligation varies by type of dispute, but in Rijswijk, mediation is always worthwhile for quick, neighbour-friendly solutions.