Termination of Rental Agreement by Landlord in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, a landlord may terminate the rental agreement for urgent reasons, such as own occupation in the city, large-scale renovation in neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven or Feijenoord, or urgent own use, in accordance with Article 7:274 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Unilateral termination requires a notice period of at least one month and must be sent by registered mail or bailiff's writ. Reasons must be objective and demonstrable, not arbitrary; the tenant may refuse, after which the Rotterdam District Court decides. If approved, a new deadline for vacating follows. Unlike voluntary mutual consent, this enforces legal proceedings via the Rotterdam District Court. Landlords must provide evidence, such as family needs due to Rotterdam employment circumstances or renovation efforts for energy label improvement. Tenants in Rotterdam have a right of first refusal to return after renovation, supported by local tenant teams. Procedure: notice of termination with grounds, tenant response within two months, possibly advice from the Rotterdam Rent Committee or proceedings before the Rotterdam District Court. Costs: court fees around €85 and possible lawyer fees. Success rate low with weak motives, especially due to stricter scrutiny in Rotterdam's tight rental market. Advice: negotiate first for mutual consent or rent reduction as an alternative. The law protects Rotterdam tenants against abuse of power, with additional local support via Woonbond Rotterdam. (248 words)