Landlord terminating my lease — can they just do that?
Landlord can only end lease on 6 legal grounds (art. 7:274 BW): (1) rent debt >3 months, (2) serious nuisance, (3) urgent own use (live there self), (4) refusing reasonable new contract offer, (5) zoning plan realization, (6) fixed-term lease ending. Don't agree: send registered letter within 6 weeks. Landlord must then go to county court. You may stay until court rules (6-12 months). Notice: 3 months + 1 per rental year (max 6 mo). Fixed-term (max 2 yrs): ends automatically, but landlord must give written notice 1-3 mo before — if he forgets, becomes indefinite. Help: Juridisch Loket 0800-8020 free, !WOON Amsterdam 020-523 0150, or tenants' union. Social housing protection stronger than free sector.
Step by step
- 1Check termination letterWhich ground? Correct notice? Registered? Incomplete letter = invalid. Keep envelope.
- 2Disagree within 6 weeksSend registered letter: “I do not agree with the termination.” No reason needed. Keep proof of sending.
- 3Get legal adviceCall Juridisch Loket 0800-8020 free or tenants' union/!WOON. Free sector: rental-law lawyer (legal aid insurance covers).
- 4Wait for court caseLandlord summons you. You get bailiff letter. Appear at hearing (or lawyer). You may stay until ruling.
- 5Possibly settleRelocation fee on urgent own use: often €6,000-12,000 + nuisance. Social housing: sometimes replacement home.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Can landlord end lease to sell home?
No, sale alone is not legal ground. But: “urgent own use” (landlord moves in self) — must prove. Sale with tenant in (rented state) allowed; new owner inherits your contract.
Do I get relocation fee?
On urgent own use: yes, reasonable fee (often €6,000-12,000) plus nuisance. On tenant debt or nuisance: no. Social housing: sometimes replacement home via corporation.
Sources
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