Eviction Protection for Temporary Tenants in Westland

In Westland, with its greenhouse complexes and seasonal labor, you are also entitled to eviction protection under temporary rental agreements. Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) prohibits forced eviction without a judicial ruling. The landlord must initiate legal proceedings at the District Court of Rotterdam if you refuse to vacate. You are entitled to a fair hearing and at least two months' consideration period. Exceptions apply under the Vacancy Act for expatriates in greenhouse horticulture or in cases of urgent demolition of temporary labor housing. For housing corporations such as Vidomes or WestlandWonen, additional safeguards are provided through the urgent housing need test, which is crucial in this region with a severe housing shortage among horticultural workers. In practice in Westland: there is significant misuse of temporary contracts to bypass protection, but courts reject this, as seen in cases before the subdistrict court in The Hague (ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2022:5678). Tenants can demand a suspension procedure if there is a lack of alternative housing in surrounding areas such as Naaldwijk or Poeldijk. Costs: the landlord bears the legal costs in case of an unjustified claim. Tip: report imminent eviction to Huurteam Westland or the Woonbond. This way, you remain protected in Westland's dynamic housing market. (218 words)