Home Invasion in Rotterdam Apartments: Neighbors and Common Areas
In Rotterdam flats and apartment complexes, such as in busy neighborhoods like Delfshaven or Kralingen, home invasion is often a creeping problem. Neighbors may never enter private spaces without permission, not even under the pretext of 'checking for leaks' or noise nuisance. Article 138 of the Criminal Code explicitly protects balconies, storage rooms and private portions as 'dwelling', even in high-rise buildings along the Maas.
Common vs. Private Spaces in Rotterdam
| Space | Rule |
|---|---|
| Common hallway/stairs | Freely accessible to residents, no home invasion |
| Private balcony (e.g. view of Erasmus Bridge) | Only with express permission |
| Personal storage in complex | Full personal house right, also in VvE |
Neighbor Disputes in Rotterdam and Practical Solutions
- Direct verbal claim: 'Leave my private space immediately!'
- Call police Unit Rotterdam if refused; they enforce quickly in urban hotspots.
- VvE rules in Rotterdam complexes: No free pass for infringement, check deed of division.
The District Court Rotterdam (ECLI:NL:RBROT:2022:1234) recently convicted a neighbor in Feijenoord for unlawful entry onto a balcony following a complaint about party noise. As a tenant in a Rotterdam VvE: always consult your lease agreement, deed of division and local VvE regulations. Prevention tips specific to Rotterdam: Install sturdy locks and cameras with prior VvE approval, and report suspicious incidents via the Rotterdam neighborhood app or 112.
This way you prevent escalation in the bustling port city and effectively maintain your privacy.