When May a Rental Property Be Evicted?
A rental property in Westland may only be evicted following a court judgment. A landlord may not take action themselves, such as changing locks or blocking access. This is against the law.
Reasons for Eviction
| Reason | Explanation | Prevention Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Arrears in Rent | Often after 3+ months of non-payment | Try to arrange a repayment plan |
| Serious Nuisance | Repeated and proven nuisance | Stop causing nuisance |
| Prohibited Activities | For example, drug trafficking or other crimes | Avoid such practices |
| Subletting Without Permission | Illegal subletting | Always request approval from the landlord |
| End of Temporary Contract | If the termination has been properly notified | Discuss extension |
Steps in the Eviction Procedure
- Landlord provides written notice of termination or warning
- Landlord initiates legal proceedings via a writ of summons
- Hearing at the sub-district court in The Hague
- Judgment of the court, possibly with a departure deadline
- If you do not leave, a bailiff is engaged for eviction
Eviction Deadline
How Much Time Do You Get in Westland?
The court sets a reasonable period, usually between 2 and 6 weeks. In special circumstances, such as health problems or families with children, this period may be extended. You can request extra time.
What to Do in Case of Impending Eviction?
- Legal Assistance: Contact a lawyer or Juridisch Loket Westland as soon as possible (free help for low income)
- Defense: Ensure you attend the court hearing
- New Housing: Start looking for alternative accommodation in time
- Financial Help: Apply for debt counseling via the Westland municipality in case of payment problems
Costs Related to Eviction
The costs of an eviction may be recovered from you:
- Court case costs
- Bailiff costs
- Costs for storage of your belongings
- Costs for cleaning the property
May a Landlord Change the Locks Themselves?
No, this is not permitted without a court judgment. This is considered self-help and you can take legal action against it.
What Happens to My Belongings?
Upon eviction, your items are often temporarily stored by the bailiff. You must pay the storage costs to retrieve your property.
Can I Object to an Eviction Decision?
Yes, you can appeal, but this does not automatically suspend the eviction. You must explicitly request a stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent and Eviction in Westland
What are my rights as a tenant in Westland?
As a tenant, you are entitled to safe housing, protection against unreasonable rent increases, and the right to demand maintenance if the property is not habitable.
Can a landlord increase the rent arbitrarily?
No, rent increases are subject to statutory rules. The landlord must announce this in writing at least two months in advance and may not exceed the permitted limit.
What happens to my deposit?
The deposit must be held by the landlord and repaid within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, unless damage has been found.
How do I terminate my tenancy?
You can terminate the tenancy according to the notice period in your contract, usually in writing and observing the notice period.
What if my property has defects?
Request the landlord in writing to carry out repairs. If this does not happen, you can arrange the repair yourself and possibly offset the costs against the rent.