Termination of Rental Agreement by Landlord in Zoetermeer

In Zoetermeer, a landlord may terminate the rental agreement for urgent reasons such as own occupation, renovation or urgent own use, in accordance with Article 7:274 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). This is relevant in a municipality like Zoetermeer, where the rental market is tight due to the city's growth and proximity to The Hague and Rotterdam, with high demand for affordable housing in neighbourhoods such as Buytenweert or Seghwaert. Unilateral termination requires a minimum notice period of one month and must be sent by registered letter or bailiff's writ of summons. The reasons must be objective and demonstrable, not arbitrary; the tenant may refuse, after which the district court (kantonrechter) in Zoetermeer decides. If approved, the tenant receives a new period to vacate. In contrast to voluntary mutual consent, this enforces a legal procedure. Landlords must provide evidence, such as a family declaration for own use or renovation plans approved by the municipality of Zoetermeer. Tenants in Zoetermeer have a right of first refusal to return after renovation, supported by local tenant protection via the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) in the Haaglanden region. Procedure: termination letter with detailed grounds, tenant's response within three months, advice from the Rent Tribunal or directly to the district court at the palace on the Markt in Zoetermeer. Costs include court fees (around €85 for simple cases) and possibly a lawyer. Success rate is low with weak motives, especially due to strict scrutiny in this region. Advice: first try to negotiate mutual consent, or consult Woonpunt Zoetermeer for free legal advice. The law protects tenants in Zoetermeer against abuse of power by landlords, also through municipal rules on vacancy and housing shortage. (278 words)