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Termination of Rental Agreement by Landlord

Landlord terminates lease for own use or renovation with notice period and judicial review, unlike voluntary mutual consent.

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A landlord may terminate the rental agreement for urgent reasons, such as own occupation, renovation or urgent own use, in accordance with Article 7:274 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Unilateral termination requires a notice period of at least one month and must be served by registered letter or bailiff's writ. Reasons must be objective and not arbitrary; the tenant may refuse, after which the court decides. If approved, a new term follows. Unlike mutual consent, which is voluntary, this forces legal proceedings. Landlords must provide evidence, such as family needs. Tenants have a right of first refusal to return after renovation. Procedure: termination letter with grounds, tenant's response, possibly Huurcommissie or district court. Costs: court fees and lawyer. Success rate low with weak motives. Advice: negotiate mutual consent as an alternative first. The law protects tenants against abuse of power. (201 words)