Examples of Urgent Reasons for Termination of Tenancy

When terminating a tenancy agreement on the grounds of an urgent reason, concrete examples are essential to demonstrate the severity. According to case law and Article 7:279 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), serious nuisance, such as repeated noise disturbances or intimidation by the tenant, qualifies as an urgent reason. Structural damage due to negligence, such as leaks caused by mismanagement, also justifies termination. Another example is the non-payment of rent for several months despite a formal demand, which places the landlord in financial distress. For tenants, a landlord who allows the property to become uninhabitable due to lack of maintenance may constitute an urgent reason. Courts apply strict scrutiny: the reason must be reported without delay and proven with witness statements or reports. In the case ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2020:1234, the court ruled that nightly parties involving drug use constituted an urgent reason for the landlord. Tenants may invoke Article 7:220 BW for defects but must combine this with urgency. Procedurally, it is advised to use registered letters and to approach the subdistrict court directly. These examples illustrate that context and proportionality are crucial; minor irritations are insufficient.