Subletting and Termination in Zoetermeer: Risks and Rules

In Zoetermeer, subletting always requires written consent from both the head tenant and the landlord; without this consent, it is prohibited and may lead to immediate termination. Upon termination of the head lease, the sublease ends automatically, unless the landlord in Zoetermeer explicitly agrees to continuation, for example in busy neighbourhoods such as Rokkeveen or Seghwaert where tenants often sublet rooms to students from the nearby Haagse Hogeschool. Article 7:267 of the Dutch Civil Code provides no termination protection for the subtenant against the head tenant. Procedure: request consent via the Municipality of Zoetermeer's rental team or directly from housing associations such as Vidomes, often requiring a security deposit and checks on income criteria. Landlords in Zoetermeer refuse in cases of non-performance or nuisance, such as reports via the neighbourhood teams. Practical example: a student in Zoetermeer sublets a room in a flat on Van der Vennestraat – upon departure of the head tenant, the subtenant must leave, otherwise eviction follows. In disputes, the cantonal court in Zoetermeer rules; subtenants sometimes claim damages due to local vacancy rules. Protection: the sublease agreement may not exceed the term of the head lease. Illegal subletting, popular for temporary jobs in the Stadtgebied, leads to fines up to €5,000 and immediate termination. Airbnb rules have been stricter since 2023 due to the Zoetermeer Housing Ordinance, with a reporting obligation and max 30 days per year. These provisions prevent chain terminations in Zoetermeer's rental market and abuse by expats. Always check the house rules of local housing associations and consult the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. (287 words)