Joint Tenancy in Cohabitation or Partnership in Delft

In Delft, joint tenancy in cohabitation or registered partnership provides crucial additional protection for tenants in the city. Partners in Delft automatically become joint tenants if both are registered at the same address in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) with the municipality of Delft and have been cohabiting for at least two years, unless the landlord – such as Woonbron or DUWO – refuses on reasonable grounds such as payment arrears. This is essential in Delft, where the rental market is tight and homelessness upon relationship breakdown poses a real risk for students and young professionals. The application is processed via a change form with the Delft landlord, supported by proof of shared housing costs and an extract from the BRP. Legally regulated in Article 7:268 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), this applies to both social housing in neighbourhoods such as Tanthof and the private sector around the city centre. In case of refusal by the landlord in Delft, you can lodge an appeal with the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) in The Hague within six weeks, with advice from the local Huurteam Delft. Benefits include equal right to continuation of the tenancy after breakup and inheritance protection. Drawbacks: ongoing joint liability for rent arrears. For expats at TU Delft or temporary relationships: draw up a cohabitation agreement with a rent clause at a Delft notary. Parents with children receive priority for the allocation of emergency declarations via the municipality. Document all agreements in writing, retain emails with landlords, and in case of urgency, approach the district court in Delft for interim joint tenancy.