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The Procedure at the Disputes Committee for Utrechters

Accessible Disputes Committee for Utrechters: resolve disputes quickly with binding rulings for businesses. Advice at Juridisch Loket Utrecht. (128 characters)

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The Procedure at the Disputes Committee for Utrechters

The Disputes Committee procedure offers Utrecht residents a simple and swift way to resolve conflicts with businesses. This independent, out-of-court method results in a binding decision, particularly for the entrepreneur. It is suitable for sectors such as telecom, housing associations, and online shops. In Utrecht, you can get free advice from Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.

What exactly is the Disputes Committee procedure?

The Disputes Committee acts as a neutral party for consumer disputes. Always start by reporting the issue to the business itself. If no solution is reached, you can submit it to the committee, which consists of a lawyer-chairperson and sector specialists. The decision binds the entrepreneur, but as a Utrecht resident, if dissatisfied, you can proceed to the District Court of Utrecht.

This approach is practical and affordable, with an average processing time of 4 to 6 months—much faster than going to court. Costs range from €25 to €125, depending on the committee and dispute value.

Legal basis of the procedure

The procedure falls under the recognition framework for dispute settlement bodies, as laid down in the Decree of 29 November 2011 (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2011, 606), based on Article 7:17 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC). This promotes alternative dispute resolution.

The Foundation for Consumer Disputes Committees (SGC) oversees the accreditations. Only accredited committees may issue binding judgments. In case of violations, the Council for Legal Aid may intervene. Article 15(1) of the Unfair Commercial Practices Act (UCPA) also refers to these options for consumer protection in Utrecht.

Step-by-step guide to the Disputes Committee in Utrecht

  1. Report complaint to entrepreneur: First file a complaint with the business and wait 4 weeks (Art. 7:17 DCC).
  2. Submit to committee: Use the online form on degeschillencommissie.nl. Include Utrecht-specific evidence such as invoices or emails.
  3. Registration and fees: Pay the court fee (€25-€125); parties are notified.
  4. Written exchange: Parties submit documents; witness statements possible.
  5. Hearing (if needed): Informal oral session, no lawyer required.
  6. Ruling: Issued within 4-6 weeks; binding on business, enforceable after 2 months.
  7. Enforce compliance: In case of non-compliance, via the Court of Appeal Arnhem-Leeuwarden or District Court of Utrecht (Art. 7:17(3) DCC).

Rights and obligations during the procedure

Rights as a Utrecht resident:

  • Low cost (court fee often refunded if successful).
  • Full right to be heard and rebuttal.
  • Self-representation possible.
  • Decision within a reasonable time.

Your obligations:

  • Provide complete information.
  • Follow the procedure correctly.
  • Pay the court fee.

Entrepreneur obligations: Be affiliated and execute the ruling.

Utrecht practice cases

Case 1: Webshop in Hoog Catharijne. Ms. Jansen from Utrecht bought a defective laptop (€800). No response to complaint. Committee ruled: full refund. Paid within two weeks.

Case 2: Telecom in Utrecht. Mr. De Vries faced unexpected charges. Business refused. Committee awarded €300 refund and contract amendment. Non-compliance: court penalty.

Case 3: Housing association Utrecht. Tenant reported leak to Gemeente Utrecht-related association. Committee awarded €1,500 in damages.

Comparison: Disputes Committee vs. District Court of Utrecht

AspectDisputes CommitteeDistrict Court of Utrecht
Costs€25-€125€80+ + lawyer
Duration4-6 months6-18 months
BindingYes for business, no for consumerYes for both
Lawyer?Not requiredRecommended
FormalLow-thresholdStrictly formal

FAQ about the Disputes Committee for Utrecht

Must I first approach the business?

Yes, wait 4 weeks after complaint. Keep evidence; advice via Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.

What if not complied with?

Submit to Court of Appeal or District Court of Utrecht for penalty.

Bring a lawyer?

Possible, but unnecessary in this informal setting.

Dispute > €25,000?

Committee not competent; go directly to District Court of Utrecht, subdistrict court.

Tips for Utrechters

  • Check affiliation on degeschillencommissie.nl.
  • Gather evidence: emails, photos.
  • Use ACM complaint template; start at Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht for help.