Tenants' Rights in Compulsory Lease Termination in Delft

In Delft, with its vibrant student population and historic rental market around TU Delft and the city centre, tenants have robust protection against compulsory lease termination, such as in the event of landlord bankruptcy or expropriation for urban projects like the construction of cycle paths in the inner city. The lease agreement automatically transfers to the new landlord (Article 7:219 of the Dutch Civil Code). In cases of eviction due to default, the landlord must first issue a warning and await a court judgment via the District Court of The Hague, which has Delft within its district. Tenants do not end up on the street just like that; there is a garnishment-free foot and, in Delft-specific cases such as rental properties in the Poptahof neighbourhood, extra attention for social housing. In the event of urgent termination by the landlord, the tenant may annul the termination if the reason does not prove urgent, for example in the case of renovations for the municipality's sustainability objectives. Rights include the right to be heard and right of reply before the Rent Tribunal in The Hague and appeal to the district court judge. During crisis situations, such as corona deferrals or the recent housing shortage in Delft, the municipality provides additional support via the Wmo counter. Document everything: emails with housing associations such as Vestia, payment receipts and inspection reports. Seek free advice from Juridisch Loket Delft (Markt 27) or the student legal clinic of TU Delft. Unlike mutual agreement, the law guarantees formal safeguards against unlawful action. Tenants can claim damages in the event of unjustified termination, with priority for housing security in this tight Delft market. (278 words)