In Delft, landlords can terminate a lease due to the tenant's breach of contract, such as structural late rent payments or damage to the property. This is regulated in Article 7:231 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), which requires a notice of default. First send a reminder with a payment period of 14 days. If the tenant does not pay, then serve a summons for termination at the district court in The Hague, which has jurisdiction for Delft. The judge assesses reasonableness and fairness: a one-time delay is rarely sufficient for termination. Prove your claims with bank statements or rental history from the homeowners' association (VvE).
In serious cases such as drug use or nuisance caused by the tenant themselves, faster eviction is possible via Article 7:268 BW. In Delft, with many student rental properties around TU Delft, this often occurs with illegal parties or noise nuisance. The police can intervene in cases of acute danger, and the municipality of Delft provides guidelines for reporting via the Housing Desk (Loket Wonen). Procedure: court fee €85 at the district court. If granted, eviction follows via the bailiff, costs to the tenant. Tenants can defend with proof of payment, such as iDEAL transactions.
Alternatives: request rental history from local VvE's or housing corporations like Woonbron. Prevention is crucial in Delft: thoroughly screen new tenants for student status and references, given the high demand for rooms. Judges mitigate penalties for corona deferrals or study delays. Landlords risk damage claims for unjustified procedures. Use collection agencies like Haag Wonen for debt collection. Upon success, you can immediately re-rent the property via platforms like Kamernet. Tenants: always pay digitally for proof. The Juridisch Loket in Delft (Stationsplein 36) advises both parties free of charge. This way, you protect your investment in the Delft rental market. (287 words)