Rent Arrears Procedure in The Hague: Steps and Rights
**Rent arrears** in The Hague arise when rent is not paid on time. The landlord must first set a **payment period** in accordance with the **Tenancy Act** and the **Dutch Civil Code (DCC)**. Follow the correct procedure to avoid problems. In The Hague, rental disputes are handled by the Rechtbank Den Haag, Prins Clauslaan 60.
This article provides a complete step-by-step plan for tenants and landlords in The Hague, with attention to local institutions such as the Juridisch Loket Den Haag, Lutherse Burgwal 10 for free advice.
What is rent arrears in The Hague?
Rent arrears means not paying rent, service or energy costs on the agreed date (art. 7:200 DCC). Even one day of arrears counts, but action often follows after a month. Landlords in The Hague must provide a written **payment period**.
Legal basis for The Hague
Important laws:
- Tenancy Act (art. 7:200 DCC): Payment obligation and procedure.
- DCC art. 7:220-221: Payment period and payment plan.
- Rent Allowance Act: Extra protection for allowance recipients.
- WSNP: Debt restructuring in case of payment incapacity.
For The Hague: Contact Rechtbank Den Haag, Prins Clauslaan 60 for procedures.
Step-by-step plan for rent arrears in The Hague
For landlords in The Hague
Follow these steps:
- Send payment period: Written reminder with arrears amount and at least 14 days period (art. 7:220 DCC).
- Propose payment plan: Written agreement on instalment payments.
- Termination of tenancy agreement: In case of non-payment, termination letter with 1 month notice period.
- Legal proceedings: Summons at Rechtbank Den Haag, Prins Clauslaan 60.
Prohibited: Locking or evicting yourself without a court order.
For tenants in The Hague
Received a reminder? Contact the landlord immediately. Seek help at Juridisch Loket Den Haag, Lutherse Burgwal 10 for free legal advice, payment plans or rent allowance check.
Options:
- Arrange an instalment plan.
- Apply for or offset rent allowance.
- Debt assistance via Municipality of The Hague.
Local assistance in The Hague
- Rechtbank Den Haag: Prins Clauslaan 60 – For judgments and evictions.
- Juridisch Loket Den Haag: Lutherse Burgwal 10 – Free advice (Mon-Wed 9-17u, Thu-Fri 9-13u).
- Municipality of The Hague: Debt assistance for payment problems.
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord lock the door? No, only with court permission.
What if I have rent allowance? Arrears can be offset; check with the Tax Authorities.
Act quickly in case of rent arrears in The Hague to prevent forced eviction. Contact local institutions.