Procedure for Substitution of Business Premises in Rotterdam

The procedure for substitution of business premises in Rotterdam follows a structured process as described in Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Landlords in the port city, where business premises are often crucial for logistics and trade, must submit a written request to the Rent Tribunal, including motivation, supporting documents regarding the new tenant, and coordination with the Rotterdam zoning plan via the municipality. Consider locations in the Merwe-Vierhavens area or around the Maas. The sitting tenant has six weeks to object. The Rent Tribunal schedules a hearing, often digitally or at the regional office in Rotterdam, where parties present their arguments on solvency, business activities, and spatial planning under the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet). A binding decision is issued within eight weeks. Upon approval, the new tenant steps into all rights and obligations, such as maintenance duties and any rent arrears, taking into account Rotterdam port regulations. Rejection allows appeal to the sub-district court in Rotterdam. Landlords risk damage claims in case of abuse, for example to achieve speculation profits in the hot real estate climate of the city. Tenants are well-advised to engage a local lawyer, such as via the Rotterdam Legal Aid Office (Juridisch Loket Rotterdam), to strengthen their position. These steps ensure a fair transition, tailored to the dynamic Rotterdam economy and protection against arbitrariness in the rental market. (212 words)