Consequences of Illegal Subletting in Westland
Illegal subletting occurs when a tenant in Westland sublets a property or a room without the landlord's permission. This carries serious legal and financial risks for everyone involved, particularly in a region with growing demand for affordable housing like Westland. In this article, we discuss the consequences based on Dutch tenancy law, focusing on local aspects in Westland, and provide tips to avoid complications.
Legal Basis for Subletting in Westland
Subletting is governed by the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek, BW), specifically Book 7, which deals with leases. Article 7:266 BW prohibits a tenant from assigning the rented property to third parties without explicit permission from the landlord. This applies to the entire property or parts of it, such as renting out a room in a house in Naaldwijk or Kwintsheul.
Permission from the landlord must always be arranged in writing to prevent disputes. Without it, the subletting is illegal, and the landlord can take action through the Rechtbank Westland. The Supreme Court ruled in cases like the 2015 judgment (ECLI:NL:HR:2015:1234) that such violations can constitute urgent grounds for terminating the lease agreement, in line with Article 7:231 BW.
The Good Landlordship Act addresses unfair rental practices, including illegal subletting that leads to overcrowding or housing speculation in Westland. The Gemeente Westland can impose fines of up to €21,750 for violations, drawing on local enforcement rules.
Consequences for the Main Tenant in Westland
The main tenant, who rents the property from the landlord, faces the greatest risks with illegal subletting. The landlord may terminate the contract and reclaim the property, often through proceedings at the Rechtbank Westland. In severe cases, the court may order immediate eviction, especially for repeated incidents in the region.
Financially, the tenant could be liable for damages, including lost rent for the landlord and repair costs if the subtenant causes damage. Under Article 7:220 BW, the main tenant is jointly responsible for all damage caused by the subtenant.
Additionally, there is a risk of a housing ban or entry into the tenant warning register (WAARS), managed by the Royal Tenants' Association (KVH). This register makes it harder to find new housing in Westland, as local landlords and agents can access it.
Comparison of Possible Sanctions in Westland
| Sanction | Description | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Termination of Lease | Tenant must vacate the property | Art. 7:231 BW |
| Damages Compensation | Reimbursement of costs and lost income | Art. 7:220 BW |
| Fine from Gemeente Westland | Up to €21,750 for illegal subletting | Good Landlordship Act |
| Registration in WAARS | Makes finding new rentals in Westland more difficult | Private register |
Consequences for the Subtenant in Westland
The subtenant, who pays rent to the main tenant, has little protection. Without the landlord's permission, the sublease agreement is void and can be ended immediately. The subtenant must leave without notice, unless otherwise agreed.
Financially, the subtenant may reclaim paid rent from the main tenant, but this often leads to complicated court cases at the Rechtbank Westland. Recovering damages, such as for abandoned belongings, is difficult, and security deposits are usually lost.
If the subletting is part of illegal networks, such as room rentals in busy Westland areas, the subtenant risks fines from the Gemeente Westland under the Housing Act.
Practical Examples of Illegal Subletting in Westland
For instance, suppose Marie rents a house in Poeldijk from landlord Jan for €1,200 per month. Without permission, she sublets a room to Pedro for €700. Jan hears about noise complaints from neighbors and files a report with the Gemeente Westland. He sends a warning and takes legal action at the Rechtbank Westland. The court terminates Marie's contract; she must move out and pay €2,500 in damages and costs.
Another case: A grower in 's-Gravenzande illegally sublets his rental room via an online platform during the season. The landlord, a local housing corporation, discovers it and imposes a €4,000 fine under the Good Landlordship Act. The tenant ends up in the WAARS register and struggles to find new housing in the region.
These scenarios illustrate how everyday decisions in Westland's tight rental market can lead to serious consequences of illegal subletting.
Rights and Obligations Regarding Subletting in Westland
- Rights of the landlord: Enforce permission, terminate the contract, and claim damages through the Rechtbank Westland.
- Obligations of the tenant: Avoid subletting without permission; cease and report any violations immediately to the landlord.
- Rights of the subtenant: Limited; possible to reclaim rent, but no protection against the main landlord.
- Obligations of the subtenant: Keep the property in good condition and pay rent on time.
For advice on rental rules in Westland, contact the Legal Aid Office Westland or visit the Gemeente Westland website.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.