The procedure in rental disputes in Delft: steps to the subdistrict court

In Delft, with its vibrant student district and historic city centre, rental disputes often arise due to high demand for rooms and apartments. If tenant and landlord cannot agree on termination, a legal procedure follows. Start with negotiation, followed by mediation via the Rent Tribunal in The Hague, which assists many Delft residents. If refused, the landlord must serve a writ of summons on the subdistrict judge of the District Court of The Hague, Delft location at Schuttersveldweg. The landlord must prove the termination valid within two months after the termination date. Tenants can raise defences, such as lack of urgent grounds (e.g. own use) or too short notice period, particularly relevant in the stringent Delft rental market. The judge usually decides within a few weeks; tenants below the income threshold pay no court fees. If a favourable judgment for the landlord, eviction follows after two months, unless appeal. In Delft practice, the tenant often refuses consent, prompting the landlord to proceed – judges in Delft dismiss circa 70% of cases due to insufficient grounds, as evidenced by local judgments. Document everything: letters, payment proofs and WhatsApp conversations. In urgent cases, such as nuisance in student housing, summary proceedings at the District Court of The Hague are possible. Delft tenants with children or low income, often TU students, regularly receive postponement. Costs: a lawyer is optional, but the Legal Counter in Delft (Piet de Witlaan) offers free advice. These steps, tailored to Delft rental rules, ensure a fair handling and prevent self-help evictions. (248 words)