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Legal Consequences of Trespass to Premises by Landlords in Rotterdam: Criminal Penalties and Civil Claims

Discover the criminal and civil consequences of trespass to premises by landlords in Rotterdam, including fines, imprisonment, and damage claims. Learn how to gather evidence and proceed through local authorities for rent reduction or termination of the lease agreement.

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Legal Consequences of Trespass to Premises in Rotterdam: What Happens After Filing a Report?

Trespass to premises by a landlord in Rotterdam can lead to severe penalties. Article 138 of the Dutch Criminal Code provides for a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine of the third category. As a tenant in neighborhoods such as Delfshaven or Feijenoord, you can also pursue civil proceedings for damages at the District Court of Rotterdam.

Criminal Consequences in Rotterdam

The Public Prosecutor at the Public Prosecution Service in Rotterdam decides on prosecution. For a first offense in the port city, a transaction proposal (fine) often follows. Repeated violations, such as unlawful entry into social housing, lead to criminal proceedings before the subdistrict judge. Evidence such as key impressions, witness statements from neighbors, or camera footage from Rotterdam apartment buildings is crucial. The Rotterdam police handle many reports of trespass to premises in densely populated neighborhoods.

Civil Remedies for Rotterdam Tenants

  • Damage claim: For emotional stress, material damage, or devaluation of your rental property in Rotterdam-South.
  • Rent reduction: Through the regional Rent Tribunal in Rotterdam, demand up to 100% reduction for the period of the violation.
  • Termination of lease agreement: In case of structural violations by landlords, involve the subdistrict judge in Rotterdam for urgent termination.

Practical Tips for Rotterdam

Document everything: photos of forced entry, emails with the landlord, and police report from a Rotterdam neighborhood officer. Immediately engage a tenancy law attorney via the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for a letter of demand and proceedings. In 2023, the District Court of Rotterdam ruled that a landlord in Charlois had to pay €6,500 in damages for unlawful entry into a rental apartment, plus rent reduction.

In Rotterdam, with its strict rental policy and active Tenants' Union, you effectively protect your right to quiet enjoyment of your home by acting quickly and deter future violations by landlords.