Termination of Commercial Lease Rotterdam

The termination of a lease for commercial space in Rotterdam follows strict rules from Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), with extra attention to the vibrant port and shopping areas such as Kop van Zuid and the City Centre. Landlords in Rotterdam may terminate due to urgent own use, such as reconversion of old port buildings into modern offices, non-extension for temporary contracts or default by the tenant. A notice period of at least one month applies, with written notice and clear motivation. Tenants in Rotterdam shopping streets such as the Lijnbaan or Coolsingel have a six-month reflection period after notice and may claim goodwill compensation upon forced departure, particularly relevant in gentrification projects. The district court in Rotterdam strictly reviews reasonableness; own use must be concrete and necessary, for example for expansion of logistical activities in the port. For Rotterdam shops, the Rent Assessment Committee provides additional rent protection for price review. Bankruptcy of a tenant, such as recent Rotterdam retailers, leads to automatic dissolution, but trustees may transfer the contract to successors. Parties may agree on collective terminations for large-scale redevelopment, such as around the station area. Practical example: in Rotterdam, document all correspondence to avoid proceedings at the Rotterdam District Court. These rules ensure stability in the local commercial real estate market, crucial for the city's economic dynamism. (212 words)