Urgent own use: termination by landlord in Delft

In Delft, landlords can demand dissolution of the tenancy agreement due to urgent own use, such as for own occupation or family (Article 7:274 DCC). Requirements include a reasonable notice period of at least 2 months and a compelling interest, substantiated by a declaration of intent. Tenants in Delft enjoy strong protection against arbitrariness; the court examines whether the own use is realistic and awards relocation costs (up to 6 months' rent). Procedure: send a registered letter, followed by summons in case of refusal. Upon eviction, a protected period of 3 months applies for those aged 65+ or low-income persons. Recent case law from the District Court of The Hague (ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:5678) rejected a claim due to speculative use in the Delft city centre. Landlords must provide evidence, such as a TU Delft employment contract or family ties. Tenants can file a damages claim in case of abuse. Alternative: temporary letting with right of return. The municipality of Delft offers priority for urgent alternative housing via Woonnet, especially in neighbourhoods such as Poptahof or Tanthof. In the busy Delft housing market, these rules balance owners' interests with tenant protection, but require careful preparation to avoid proceedings before the cantonal judge. Consult a local tenancy law specialist in Delft.