Role of the Rotterdam District Court Judge in Terminating Rental Agreements

In Rotterdam, the district court judge plays a crucial role in the termination of lease agreements, as regulated in Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code. Landlords and tenants from neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven or Kralingen file a summons with the subdistrict section of the Rotterdam District Court, located at Jan van Nassaustraat. The judge assesses whether there is an urgent reason, such as rent arrears due to the high Rotterdam rental prices or serious mismanagement in the busy port city. The procedure begins with a hearing in the modern courthouse, where parties explain their positions with evidence such as IBAN payment proofs or reports from the Rotterdam Housing Service. The judge balances interests: does he protect the tenant in the tight housing market or the property right of the landlord? An interim judgment may propose mediation via the Rotterdam court, otherwise termination follows with an eviction period. Appeal is possible within 4 weeks at the Court of Appeal of The Hague. Costs: court fee approximately €85, plus lawyer; in Rotterdam often via subsidized legal aid. Recent Supreme Court case law emphasizes that termination is disproportionate in cases of temporary problems due to port unemployment; payment arrangements are prescribed. Tenants can involve the Rent Tribunal or Rotterdam Tenants' Union for interim measures. Prepare with complete documentation, such as local inspections, to win your case in this vibrant city. This procedure ensures a fair balancing of rights amid Rotterdam's housing pressure. (218 words)