Zwolle recently held the first hearing under the new 'rule judge' system, aimed at simple and quick resolution of small disputes. The case revolved around a dispute between a couple from Laag Zuthem and a carpet company from Genemuiden over a defective PVC floor.
© Harry en Marloes van der Meijs
Dissatisfaction with Factory Sales
Harry and Marloes van der Meijs were dissatisfied with the floor that had been laid in 2021 by Fabrieksverkoop. Shortly after the installation, cracks developed, leaving the couple's living room unfinished for two years now. The company claimed that the damage was not due to their work, but to the action of the underlying concrete floor. 'We have now been stuck with ugly floor for two years,' he said.
During the hearing, Judge Gustaaf Wijnands, who had the first ever rule judge, stressed the importance of a settlement. He warned that an expert investigation could increase the litigation costs for the losing party. In the end, the parties reached a compromise: Factory Sales will supply a new floor from the same price range and also refund 1,500 euros.
The rules court is a pilot project designed to provide low-threshold access to justice for money disputes up to EUR 5,000. The procedure is simpler and cheaper than regular court proceedings. Parties pay only about 40 euros in court fees and are encouraged to reach a solution under the guidance of the judge.
Source: The Stentor