Termination of Tenancy by Landlord in Rotterdam: Grounds and Procedure

In Rotterdam, landlords can terminate the tenancy for urgent reasons, such as rent arrears, nuisance or serious default (art. 7:271 BW). First, a notice letter with a minimum notice period of three months must be sent. Tenants in Rotterdam have a right of consent, but if refused, a procedure follows at the Rotterdam cantonal court. Specific grounds in the port city include own use by the landlord, large-scale renovation in neighbourhoods such as Charlois or Feijenoord, or non-payment. If approved, the tenancy ends; if refused, the landlord must litigate. The tenant may respond within two months after notice. The judge assesses reasonableness through a balancing of interests, taking into account the tight housing market in Rotterdam. In case of successful termination for own use, the landlord must offer alternative accommodation, often via Woonbron or other local housing associations. Case example: in renovations in the Delfshaven district, a landlord lost because no environmental permit was available, as ruled by the Rotterdam cantonal court. Use model letters from the Huurcommissie or the Rotterdam Tenants' Organisation. Tenants with low income in Rotterdam-South often receive longer notice periods due to municipal protection rules. In the context of the Rotterdam rental market pressure, this process protects against arbitrariness and provides tenants in the city with ample defence. Always consult a local tenancy law specialist, such as at the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam, for personal advice.