Landlords cannot terminate a rental agreement without valid grounds, as stipulated in Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). There are three main categories of termination grounds: urgent personal use (e.g., for family members), non-payment of rent (following a formal demand), and disorderly conduct. For residential leases, the landlord must demonstrate that no reasonable alternative exists. In cases of personal use, the tenant is prioritized for alternative housing. Courts apply strict scrutiny: only 20% of termination requests succeed.
Procedure:
1. Written termination notice specifying the grounds.
2. Potential tenant consent or legal proceedings if contested.
Tenants with urgent housing needs receive additional protection. Example: A landlord wishing to occupy the property post-retirement qualifies as urgent personal use, provided it is substantiated. For renovations, temporary termination may apply. Landlords risk damage claims for wrongful termination, while tenants may demand penalty payments for non-compliance. These grounds balance interests and prevent arbitrary evictions. (202 words)