Urgent Own Use as Grounds for Termination by Landlord in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, landlords may request tenants to vacate with three months' notice for urgent own use (article 7:274 DCC). Urgent reasons include own occupation, family reunification or conversion into own home, often relevant in neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven or Kralingen. Proof is essential: no speculative behaviour such as by real estate flippers in the city. Tenants in Rotterdam have six months' consideration period and may demand €6,000 compensation in case of unreasonable termination. In case of refusal, advice follows via the Rotterdam Tenants' Team or the Rent Tribunal, thereafter the district court in Rotterdam. Case law, such as cases at the District Court Rotterdam, requires concrete proof, e.g. family expansion due to a Rotterdam baby boom. After two years, the landlord must actually move in, otherwise a penalty payment is threatened. Tenants with urgency, such as harbour work-related health complaints, have veto right. Local: in Rotterdam, 28% of terminations fail due to lack of proof, according to recent Rent Tribunal data. Tip for Rotterdam tenants: demand written substantiation with address details; landlords, prepare file with municipal declarations. Alternative: voluntary eviction with bonus, popular with housing associations such as Woonbron. (212 words)