Termination of Rental Agreement by the Landlord: Grounds and Procedure

Landlords may terminate a rental agreement for urgent reasons, such as rent arrears or nuisance (Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code). First, a notice of termination must be sent with a minimum notice period of three months. Tenants have the right to consent, but if they refuse, the matter proceeds to the subdistrict court. Grounds for termination include: own use, renovation, or non-payment. If approved, the rental agreement ends; if refused, the landlord must initiate legal proceedings. The tenant may respond within two months of receiving the notice. The court assesses reasonableness by balancing the interests of both parties. If successful, an eviction procedure follows. The landlord must provide alternative housing in cases of own use. In practice, tenants have won cases involving renovations if no permit was obtained. Use model letters from the Rent Tribunal. Tenants with low incomes often receive longer notice periods. This process protects against arbitrary termination and provides tenants with a defense. Always consult a tenancy law specialist for personal advice.