WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Rent Commission (Huurcommissie) has been unable to carry out its statutory duties since September last year, effectively denying tenants and landlords access to free and low-threshold dispute resolution. This is stated in a formal letter of concern sent by the Ombudsman of Curaçao to the Minister of Governance, Planning and Public Services.
As a result of the commission’s inactivity, citizens are increasingly forced to take rental disputes to court, a step that brings higher costs and creates unequal access to justice. Despite earlier warnings, the problem remains unresolved.
According to the Ombudsman, the Huurcommissie cannot function because it is not fully staffed, even though the law assigns the commission a key role in safeguarding the rights and interests of both tenants and property owners. The absence of a properly operating commission undermines the legal framework intended to provide accessible and cost-free mediation in housing disputes.
The Ombudsman notes that the situation is not new. As early as 2023, the government was formally notified that the Huurcommissie was no longer operational. Since then, however, no structural solution has been implemented. Responsibility for the commission now falls under the Ministry of Governance, Planning and Public Services.
The continued dysfunction of the Huurcommissie, the Ombudsman warns, causes direct harm to citizens and leads to additional costs for the government. This stands in contrast to the commission’s legal mandate, which provides for dispute resolution without charge.
The Ombudsman is urging the minister to restore the Huurcommissie to full operation as a matter of urgency. In addition, the minister is asked to clarify what interim measures will be taken to protect tenants and landlords until the commission is once again able to fulfill its legal responsibilities.
