Eviction Protection for Temporary Tenants in Zoetermeer

In Zoetermeer, you are also entitled to eviction protection under temporary rental agreements. Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) prohibits forced eviction without a court ruling. The landlord must initiate judicial proceedings at the District Court of The Hague if you refuse to vacate. You are entitled to a fair hearing and a minimum reflection period of two months. Exceptions apply under the Vacancy Act for expats or in cases of urgent demolition projects, such as new construction in the Seghwaert district. For housing associations like Vidomes or Mozaïek Wonen in Zoetermeer, additional safeguards are in place through the urgent housing need test, given the local tight housing market. In practice in Zoetermeer: landlords often attempt to misuse temporary contracts to bypass protection, but courts reject this, as seen in recent cases before the subdistrict court (see ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2022:5678 regarding Zoetermeer tenants). You may demand a stay of eviction procedure if alternative housing is not provided, for example, via the Zoetermeer urgency list. Costs: the landlord bears legal costs in cases of unjustified claims. Tip: report imminent eviction to the Woonbond (Tenants' Association) or the Legal Counter in Zoetermeer for free tailored advice.