Interim Termination Clause in Rental Contracts The Hague
An interim termination clause allows a rental contract in The Hague to end earlier than the standard notice period. This provision is useful for unexpected life changes and must comply with Dutch legislation. At the District Court of The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60, many rental disputes are handled, including those concerning such clauses.
Definition Interim Termination Clause
This clause enables early termination without the regular three-month period. Typical situations in The Hague are:
- Relocation within or outside The Hague due to job change.
- Relationship breakdown or divorce, often handled via the District Court of The Hague.
- Income reduction due to job loss in the region.
- Death or serious illness of a tenant.
- Conflicts with landlord or neighbors in densely populated neighborhoods.
The clause must be explicit and unambiguous in the contract, otherwise the standard procedure applies.
Legal Basis in The Hague
Based on the Rental Act 2015 and Civil Code (CC). Local case law from the District Court of The Hague clarifies application.
Important Statutory Provisions
- Art. 7:658 CC: Standard notice period of three months for rental dwellings.
- Art. 7:659 CC: Consent for interim termination via contractual agreement.
- Art. 7:280a-7:280l CC: Specific for social housing, relevant in The Hague housing association properties.
- Art. 7:661 CC: Written termination, period starts upon receipt.
Without a clause, unilateral interim termination is not possible. Consult the Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10 for free advice.
Practical Examples The Hague
Example 1: Relocation Due to Work
Ahmed rents in the Schilderswijk, The Hague. Upon promotion to Rotterdam, his clause activates a notice period of one month instead of three.
Example 2: Divorce
Marieke and Peter divorce; District Court of The Hague handles the case. Clause allows Marieke to terminate with two months' notice, Peter continues the contract.
Example 3: Sale of Property
Landlord sells apartment in The Hague city center. Tenant Lisa terminates with one month's notice via clause, refuses new owner.
Rights and Obligations
Tenant Rights
- Activate clause for valid reason.
- Enforce shorter notice period.
- Assistance from Legal Aid Office The Hague.
Tenant Obligations
- Terminate in writing with proof.
- Leave property in good condition.
- Pay rent until end date.
Landlord Rights
- Check validity of clause.
- Refuse if insufficient proof.
- Initiate proceedings at District Court of The Hague.
Step-by-Step Plan for Application
- Check contract for clause.
- Gather proof (e.g., divorce decree).
- Send registered letter (template via Legal Aid Office).
- Schedule property inspection.
- Arrange key handover.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- No written termination: invalid.
- Vague clause wording: void.
- No proof: rejection likely.
For personal advice: visit District Court of The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60 or Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.