In Delft, landlords may terminate a tenancy for urgent reasons, such as rent arrears, nuisance, or serious breach of contract (Art. 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code). First, send a notice of termination with a minimum notice period of three months. Tenants in Delft have the right to consent, but if they refuse, the landlord must turn to the subdistrict court in The Hague or Rotterdam, as Delft does not have its own court for tenancy matters.
Specific grounds for termination in Delft include the landlord’s own use, renovation of listed buildings in the historic city center, or non-payment. If approved, the tenancy ends; if refused, a procedure follows in which the judge weighs the interests of both tenant and landlord. Tenants may respond within two months of receiving the notice.
In practice in Delft, with many student accommodations and protected rental properties managed by housing corporations such as Vestia, the court strictly assesses reasonableness. For example, a landlord recently lost a case due to renovations without a valid environmental permit from the Municipality of Delft. If the termination is for the landlord’s own use, the landlord must offer alternative housing, often through Delft’s urgent housing list for those in immediate need.
Tenants with low incomes or student status in Delft are more likely to be granted longer notice periods or mediation via the Legal Counter in the city. Use model letters from the Rent Tribunal, adapted to local regulations. The Delft Municipal Executive’s Housing Environment Policy emphasizes protection against gentrification. This process safeguards tenants against arbitrary termination.
For personal advice, consult a tenancy law specialist at the Legal Counter Delft or a local lawyer.