Member of the Court

About the Rent Commission

The Rent Commission answers questions about rent, service charges, and maintenance. It does this by providing information, offering advice, or issuing a binding ruling in the event of a dispute between a tenant and a landlord. Rent Commission staff perform their duties with passion and dedication, acting independently and impartially, clearly and transparently. Approximately 160 people work at the Rent Commission within a supportive, collegial organizational culture.

To hear cases, the Rent Commission forms hearing panels. These consist of a hearing chairperson and two hearing members. Of the two hearing members, one comes from the tenants’ community and one from the landlords’ community. Hearings are now primarily held digitally, but can also take place in person at various locations throughout the country. Each hearing covers 10–12 cases, each of which takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Decisions are reached thanks to thorough preparation and collaboration between the independent administrative body (ZBO) and the Rent Commission’s support staff.

Members of the Board are appointed by the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning for a term of four years. This term of appointment may be extended twice, for a maximum of two additional four-year terms. Due to the expiration of the statutory terms of office for several members and the increase in the number of disputes, several vacancies have arisen for new members.

What will you be doing?

As a board member, your main responsibilities are as follows:

• You will review and analyze the case files (investigation reports, petitions, answers, etc.) prior to the hearing;
  
• You will participate in the hearing presided over by the presiding judge; if necessary, you may ask the parties additional questions;
  
• You will form an opinion on the dispute based on the hearing;
  
• You will participate in the deliberations and decision-making of the sitting committee in the council chamber;
  
• You will make substantive contributions to the development of implementation policies within the Rent Commission and identify organizational bottlenecks by participating in Rent Commission meetings (at least twice a year).
  

What do you bring to the table?

We are looking for motivated and qualified panel members who meet the following job requirements.

Strict requirements:

• At least a completed associate's degree or a demonstrable level of work and thinking equivalent to an associate's degree;
  
• At least 5 years of recent experience in the field, demonstrated knowledge of, and an affinity for, the work of the Rent Commission;
  
• Sufficient time to fulfill the role responsibly. This means being available for at least two hearings per month, each lasting half a day, having enough time to prepare for the hearings, and being willing to serve on a hearing committee anywhere in the Netherlands when a hearing is not held online. You must also be willing to participate in the training program offered and attend meetings;
  
• You do not hold any (secondary) positions that could conflict with your duties as a panel member. You are willing to be fully transparent about any family relationships and, if necessary, to recuse yourself in a timely manner. The independence and impartiality of panel members must always be guaranteed;
  
• You may submit a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
  

And also:

• Are you able to assess the disputes brought before you in a completely independent and impartial manner, without bias or consultation, and to make an active, constructive, independent, and impartial contribution to the decision-making process within the hearing committee?
  
• Do you have a demonstrable interest in resolving complex disputes between tenants and landlords;
  
• Are you able and willing to apply the Rent Commission’s procedures, as set forth in the codes of conduct, policy manuals, and regulations;
  
• Do you have architectural knowledge and are you able to read, interpret, and evaluate financial and structural engineering reports;
  
• You actively stay informed about relevant developments in the rental housing sector, such as energy performance, renewable energy, senior housing, and digital amenities;
  
• Do you have an understanding of and knowledge regarding (developments in) relevant laws and regulations, case law, and Rent Commission policy;
  
• Do you have an understanding of the social dynamics between tenants and landlords and the organizations that represent their interests;
  
• Are you a team player who can collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and are you able to reach a consensus through consultation?
  
• Are you solution-oriented, digitally savvy, and do you have access to secure Wi-Fi?
  
• Are you impartial, customer-focused, decisive, honest, and analytical? You are persuasive, a good listener, and efficient in your work, and you are capable of making sound judgments.
  

Talent as a foundation, diversity as a strength

The Rent Commission serves a highly diverse range of client groups and believes it is important for that diversity to be reflected at all levels of the organization, including among its board members. This ensures that they can effectively communicate with all clients, understand their needs, and provide services that meet those needs. Candidates who believe they can contribute to this effort are strongly encouraged to apply.

What do you get in return?

You will begin your term as a board member with an orientation program. We also offer a training program to help you stay up to date on the latest knowledge and skills.

Committee members are entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses and other allowances as specified in ministerial regulations (specifically, the Residential Rent Implementation Regulationand the Domestic Travel Decree). For each session, meeting day, or training day, you are entitled to an allowance of €268.00 (2023 price level; indexed annually).

Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter toPostbus.Vacatures@huurcommissie.nl.In with the subject line “Application for Board Member.” In your cover letter, please clearly state whether you are applying as a tenant representative or a landlord representative.

Upon appointment, a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) must be submitted.

For more information about the position, please contact
Titia Zalme, presiding judge,

Phone number: 06-52050271.

For more information about the procedure, please contact
Diana Smit, HR Specialist,

Phone number: 06-25739575 or via Postbus.Vacatures@huurcommissie.nl.