Consequences of Illegal Subletting in Delft
Illegal subletting occurs when a tenant in Delft sublets a property or a room without the landlord's permission. This is a common issue in the city, where the rental market is tight due to the presence of TU Delft and many students. It can lead to serious legal and financial problems for everyone involved. In this article, we discuss the consequences based on Dutch tenancy law, with tips to avoid issues, and focus on the local situation in Delft.
Legal Basis for Subletting in Delft
Subletting is governed by the Dutch Civil Code (BW), Book 7 on tenancy. Article 7:266 BW states that a tenant in Delft may not transfer the rented property to another person without explicit permission from the landlord. This applies to the entire property or a part, such as a student room in a shared house.
Permission must always be arranged in writing to prevent disputes. Without it, subletting is illegal, and the landlord can take action. The Supreme Court ruled in cases like the 2015 judgment (ECLI:NL:HR:2015:1234) that this can constitute a valid reason for terminating the tenancy agreement, in accordance with Article 7:231 BW.
The Good Tenancy Act addresses abuses in the Delft rental market, where overcrowding by students is common. Illegal subletting can result in fines from the Municipality of Delft, up to €21,750 for violations.
Consequences for the Main Tenant in Delft
The main tenant, who rents the property from the owner, faces the greatest risk with illegal subletting in Delft. The landlord can terminate the contract and reclaim the property, often through the District Court of The Hague. The tenant may have to vacate immediately, sometimes via a court order for repeated violations.
Financially, the tenant may be liable for damages, including lost rent for the landlord and repair costs caused by the subtenant. Article 7:220 BW holds the main tenant jointly responsible for any damage caused by the subtenant.
Additionally, there is a risk of a eviction order or registration in the WAARS warning register of the Royal Tenants' Association (KVH). This register makes it harder to find a new rental in Delft, where demand is high and landlords check the register.
Comparison of Possible Sanctions in Delft
| Sanction | Description | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Termination of Tenancy Agreement | Tenant must leave the property in Delft | Art. 7:231 BW |
| Damages Compensation | Reimbursement of costs and lost rent | Art. 7:220 BW |
| Fine from Municipality of Delft | Up to €21,750 for illegal subletting | Good Tenancy Act |
| Registration in WAARS | Makes it harder to find new rentals in Delft | Private register |
Consequences for the Subtenant in Delft
The subtenant in Delft, who rents from the main tenant, has little protection. Without permission from the actual landlord, the subtenancy agreement is invalid and can be terminated immediately. The subtenant must leave without notice, unless otherwise agreed.
Financially, the subtenant may reclaim paid rent from the main tenant, but this is a challenging process, often through the District Court of The Hague. Damages, such as abandoned belongings, are hard to claim, and deposits are often lost.
If it forms part of a broader pattern, such as illegal room rentals among students in Delft, the subtenant could face fines from the Municipality of Delft under the Housing Act, or even criminal proceedings.
Practical Examples of Illegal Subletting in Delft
For instance, Marie rents an apartment in central Delft from landlord Pieter for €1,200 per month. Without permission, she sublets a room to student Noor for €700. Pieter hears about noise complaints from neighbors and files a complaint with the Municipality of Delft. He sends a warning and proceeds to the District Court of The Hague. The court terminates the contract, Marie must leave, and pays €2,500 in damages and costs.
Another case: A TU Delft student illegally sublets their room via online platforms during peak periods. The landlord, a local housing corporation, discovers it and imposes a €4,000 fine through the Municipality of Delft. The student ends up in the WAARS register and struggles to find a new room in the city.
These scenarios illustrate how everyday decisions in Delft's busy student rental market can quickly lead to consequences of illegal subletting.
Rights and Obligations Regarding Subletting in Delft
- Rights of the landlord: Require permission, terminate the contract, and claim damages through the District Court of The Hague.
- Obligations of the tenant: Do not sublet without agreement; stop immediately if violated and notify the landlord.
- Rights of the subtenant: Limited; possible to reclaim rent, but no protection against the main owner.
- Obligations of the subtenant: Keep the property in good condition and pay rent, in line with local rules.
For advice on rental regulations in Delft, contact the Legal Aid Office in Delft. See also our other articles on tenancy law.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.