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Rent Arrears: Procedure and Steps

In case of **rent arrears** in Zoetermeer, you as tenant or landlord must act quickly. Learn the **legal procedure**, **rights and obligations** and steps to resolve conflicts, with help from local institutions such as the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.

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Rent Arrears: Procedure and Steps in Zoetermeer

**Rent arrears** arise when a tenant does not pay the rent on time. In Zoetermeer, a landlord is required to provide a **payment term** before taking further action, in accordance with the **Rent Act** and **Civil Code (CC)**. Follow the correct steps to avoid legal problems. Local institutions such as the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer offer free advice.

This article describes the procedure for rent arrears in Zoetermeer, your **rights and obligations**, and practical steps. Specifically for this district, the District Court of The Hague handles rental disputes.

What is rent arrears?

**Rent arrears** include untimely payment of rent, service charges or utility costs. According to **art. 7:200 CC**, rent must be paid on the agreed date. Even one day in arrears counts, but action often follows after a month. Landlords in Zoetermeer must first send a **payment term**.

Legal basis

Key rules:

  • Rent Act (art. 7:200 CC): Payment obligation and procedure in case of arrears.
  • CC art. 7:220 and 7:221: Requirements for **payment term** and **payment plan**.
  • Rent Allowance Act: Extra protection for recipients.
  • WSNP: Option for debt restructuring in case of unaffordable arrears.

In Zoetermeer: Contact Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer for free help or file cases at District Court of The Hague (district The Hague).

Steps in case of rent arrears

Follow these steps as a tenant or landlord in Zoetermeer.

For landlords: your step-by-step plan

Start with a **payment term** (minimum 14 days, art. 7:220 CC).

  1. Send payment term: Send a registered letter with amount and deadline (min. 14 days).
  2. Propose payment plan: Offer installment payment and record in writing.
  3. Termination of lease agreement: In case of non-compliance, send termination letter with departure date (min. 1 month).
  4. Court proceedings: Use **summary proceedings** or **summons** at District Court of The Hague if the tenant stays.

Prohibited: Locking yourself or removing goods without a court judgment.

For tenants: what should you do?

Do not ignore the payment term. Immediately contact your landlord for a **payment plan**. Cannot pay? Seek help from Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer or check rent allowance/debt assistance. Pay what you can and prevent termination.

Local assistance in Zoetermeer

  • Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer: Free advice on tenant rights (find location via juridischloket.nl).
  • District Court of The Hague: Handles rental cases in this district (family law and rent department).
  • Municipality of Zoetermeer: Debt assistance for payment problems.

Frequently asked questions

Can the landlord cut off the electricity? No, that is prohibited.
What if I receive rent allowance? Report arrears to the Tax Authorities.
How long does a court case take? A few weeks to months at District Court of The Hague.

Last update: current for Zoetermeer, district The Hague. Always consult a professional.