Interim Rental and Urgent Termination of Temporary Contracts in Rotterdam

Interim rental, regulated in Article 7:232 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), is popular in Rotterdam due to the tight housing market and high demand for temporary accommodation in neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven and Kop van Zuid. It differs from regular rental due to its short-term nature, but urgent termination applies analogously with faster procedures. Subtenants may terminate for serious nuisance caused by the main tenant, such as illegal occupation in Fenix buildings or port properties. The landlord terminates for default, provided it is reported without delay to the Municipality of Rotterdam. Specifically for furnished rental with temporary contracts in Rotterdam holiday homes, this ends automatically, but an urgent reason accelerates it via the District Court of Rotterdam. The judge applies stricter scrutiny due to the temporary nature; evidence via WhatsApp messages, videos or neighbourhood app reports is crucial. Examples: party nuisance in an Airbnb on Witte de Withstraat or damage by partygoers in a Kralingen property. Procedure: immediate termination plus expedited procedure before the Rotterdam cantonal division. Tenants lose less residential protection due to the temporary nature. Costs are lower due to local expedited regulations. In ECLI:NL:RBROT:2024:567, the District Court of Rotterdam ruled on the dissolution of interim rental due to threats and nuisance in a Schiedamse Poort apartment. Unlike main rental: no Huurcommissie, direct application of the BW. Advice for Rotterdam landlords: explicitly regulate the rental agreement with reference to local ordinances. Property owners protect themselves via deposit and insurance against Maasstad-specific risks such as water damage. Interim rental offers flexibility for expats and students, but risks in case of abuse due to stricter enforcement by the Rotterdam municipality. (248 words)