The Disputes Committee provides consumers in Utrecht with a straightforward way to resolve disputes with companies. It serves as an accessible alternative to the Utrecht District Court, with decisions that are binding on both parties.
What is the Disputes Committee for Utrecht?
In Utrecht, you can turn to the independent Disputes Committee to settle conflicts between consumers and affiliated companies. These committees are linked to various industry organizations and assist local residents without the formal court procedure.
Sectors in and around Utrecht
For residents of Utrecht, Disputes Committees are available for various sectors, including:
- E-commerce (webshops and online purchases)
- Housing (furniture, kitchens, and interior design)
- Vehicles (cars and mobility)
- Travel (holidays and transportation)
- Telecom (mobile and internet)
- Energy (suppliers in the region)
- Construction (projects in Utrecht)
Conditions for Complaints in Utrecht
- The company must be affiliated with the committee
- You must first submit a complaint to the company itself
- The complaint must be recent (generally within 1 year of the incident)
- The dispute must not already be under consideration by the Utrecht District Court
Procedure for Residents of Utrecht
- Submit your complaint via degeschillencommissie.nl or contact the Utrecht Legal Aid Desk for guidance
- Pay the complaint fee (€25-€125, depending on the sector)
- The company in or around Utrecht has the opportunity to respond
- A hearing may follow, sometimes accessible digitally for Utrecht residents
- Receive a binding decision that is mandatory
Binding Decision and Appeal in Utrecht
The Disputes Committee's decision is binding for both the consumer and the company. For Utrecht residents, there is no standard appeal, unless you go to the Utrecht District Court on very limited grounds, such as incorrect facts.
Costs for Utrecht Consumers
The costs are limited to the complaint fee, which remains low. If you, as a resident of Utrecht, have a favorable outcome, this amount is often reimbursed. A lawyer is not required; the Utrecht Legal Aid Desk can provide free advice beforehand.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.