Arbitration advice board

What is the arbitration advice board?
The Idealis arbitration advice board is a committee established by the Idealis Supervisory Board to advise the managing director of Idealis on disputes between ex-tenants, future tenants, sub-tenants and existing tenants and Idealis. The board was set up in 1993 and operates on the basis of set rules. These rules govern matters such as the mode of operation of the board and what disputes can be dealt with. The board examines whether Idealis has acted as prescribed by its policy in the matter under dispute. All material facts and circumstances are taken into consideration here. The managing director takes a decision on the dispute on the basis of the board's advice. If he does not follow its recommendation, he submits the dispute to the Idealis Supervisory Board for a decision. The arbitration advice board consists of three members. One member is proposed by the tenant's organisation Stichting Flatoverleg (SFO), one is proposed by Idealis and the chairman of the board (who is independent of the lessor and the tenant(s)) is proposed by Idealis and the SFO jointly.

When is a complaint a dispute?
  1. Your complaint will have already been submitted in writing to Idealis in the first instance, and you will have received reaction to it from Idealis with which you do not agree. You should not wait too long before lodging a dispute. You can do so for a period of two months after receiving Idealis' written response - with which you did not agree.
    OR
  2. You will have submitted the complaint in writing and have not yet received any response after four weeks. You should not wait too long before lodging a dispute. You can do so for a period of two months after sending a letter to which you have received no reply from Idealis.
    AND
  3. The dispute must relate to the way in which Idealis policy has (not) been implemented.
    AND
  4. The dispute is not being or will not be simultaneously dealt with by a court, rent assessment advisory committee or an Idealis agent (bailiff). Do not wait too long before lodging a dispute. You can do so for a period of two months after receiving Idealis' written response or two months after sending a letter to which you have received no reply from Idealis.

Who can lodge a dispute?
One or more tenants, ex-tenants, subtenants or future tenants of an Idealis room or flat.

How can I lodge a dispute?
A dispute must be lodged in writing. Try to give a reasoned account of what the dispute relates to, why you do not agree with Idealis' decision and what your petition is. You can send your letter to the secretary of the Idealis arbitration advice board at: De secretaris van de geschillenadviescommissie Idealis, Postbus 18, 6700 AA Wageningen. The telephone number is (0317) 42 61 61.

When can I expect a response?
When the secretary has received the dispute, you will be sent written confirmation of that fact. You should assume that the managing director of Idealis will take between one and two months to reach a decision, depending on the date of receipt of the dispute and the date of the board meeting. You will always receive notification in writing. If a delay occurs in the handling of the dispute, you will be informed of this fact by the secretary during the process.

What are the next steps after the decision is received?
In principle, the decision of the managing director of Idealis is binding. That means that Idealis has to keep to it and also that the arbitration advice board will not reconsider advice previously given. If there appears to be a question of new facts and circumstances arising after the event which could lead to a different recommendation, a further dispute can be lodged with the board. The board itself will judge whether such is the case. Naturally, the petitioner is always free to lodge the dispute subsequently with an external body.