When May a Rental Property Be Evicted?
Eviction of a rental property in Zoetermeer is only possible with a court judgment. A landlord may not independently replace the locks or deny you access to the property. This is considered unlawful self-help.
Reasons for Eviction
| Reason | Explanation | Prevention Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Arrears of rent | Often with 3+ months arrears | Try to arrange a payment plan |
| Serious nuisance | Repeated and proven | Stop causing nuisance |
| Illegal practices | For example, drug trafficking or criminal activities | Avoid such activities |
| Subletting without permission | Without landlord's consent | Always request written permission |
| End of fixed-term lease | With proper notice | Discuss extension |
Steps in the Eviction Procedure
- Landlord sends written notice of termination or demand
- Landlord files a lawsuit via summons
- Hearing at the subdistrict court in The Hague
- Judgment of the court, often with an eviction period
- In case of non-voluntary departure: eviction by a bailiff
Eviction Period
How Much Time Do You Get in Zoetermeer?
The court sets a reasonable period, usually between 2 and 6 weeks. In special cases, such as health problems or families with children, this period may be extended. You can request a stay yourself.
What to Do in Case of Impending Eviction?
- Legal advice: Contact a lawyer or Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer (free for low income)
- File a defense: Ensure you attend the court hearing
- Search for new housing: Start looking for alternative accommodation in time
- Financial assistance: Apply for debt counseling in case of rent arrears
Costs of an Eviction
In case of eviction, the following costs may be charged to you:
- Court costs
- Bailiff costs
- Storage of personal belongings
- Cleaning or repair costs
May a landlord replace the locks without permission?
No, this is not permitted without a court judgment. This constitutes self-help and you can take legal action against it, for example by filing a police report.
What happens to my belongings after eviction?
The bailiff often stores your items temporarily. You must pay the storage costs to retrieve your belongings.
Can I appeal an eviction judgment?
Yes, you can lodge an appeal, but this does not automatically suspend the eviction. You must explicitly request suspension of enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rent and Eviction
What are my rights as a tenant in Zoetermeer?
As a tenant, you are entitled to safe and habitable accommodation, protection against unreasonable rent increases, and the right to demand repairs if the property has defects.
Can a landlord increase the rent arbitrarily?
No, rent increases are subject to statutory rules. The landlord must inform you in writing at least two months in advance and may not increase the rent above the permitted limit.
What happens to my deposit after termination of the tenancy?
The deposit must be refunded by the landlord within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, unless there is damage or outstanding costs.
How do I terminate my tenancy?
You can terminate the tenancy observing the notice period in your contract, usually in writing and with one month's notice.
What if my rental property is in poor condition?
Report the defects in writing to the landlord. If they do not repair within a reasonable time, you can take action yourself and possibly offset the costs against the rent.