Rent Arrears: Procedure and Steps in Rijswijk
**Rent arrears** arise when a tenant does not pay the rent on time. In Rijswijk, the landlord is required to provide a **payment term** before taking further action, as laid down in the **Rent Act** and the **Dutch Civil Code (DCC)**. Follow the correct steps to avoid legal problems, with help from the **District Court of The Hague** (district) or the **Legal Counter Rijswijk**.
This article describes the procedure for rent arrears in Rijswijk, your **rights and obligations**, and a practical step-by-step plan. We also answer frequently asked questions.
What is rent arrears?
**Rent arrears** concern untimely payment of rent, service charges or energy costs under the tenancy agreement. Pursuant to **art. 7:200 DCC**, rent must be paid on the agreed date. Even one day in arrears counts, but action is often only taken after a month or more. The landlord must first offer a **payment term**.
Legal basis in Rijswijk
Important rules are set out in:
- Rent Act (art. 7:200 DCC): Payment rules and procedure in case of arrears.
- DCC art. 7:220 and 7:221: **Payment term** and **payment plan**.
- Rent Allowance Act: Extra protection in case of allowance.
- Debt Restructuring (WSNP): Option in case of unaffordable arrears.
For Rijswijk, this falls under the **District Court of The Hague**. Contact the **Legal Counter Rijswijk** for free advice.
Steps in case of rent arrears in Rijswijk
Follow these steps as a tenant or landlord.
For landlords: your step-by-step plan
Start with a **payment term** (at least 14 days, art. 7:220 DCC).
- Send payment term: Written reminder with amount and deadline (min. 14 days).
- Propose payment plan: Written agreement on instalment payments if no response.
- Dissolution of tenancy agreement: In case of non-payment after plan: **dissolution letter** with end date (min. 1 month).
- Eviction or summons: In case of refusal to leave: procedure at **District Court of The Hague**.
Note: Self-locking or evicting without a court order is prohibited.
For tenants: what should you do?
Contact your landlord immediately in case of payment problems. Seek help from the **Legal Counter Rijswijk** for a payment arrangement or rent allowance. Do not ignore reminders – this leads to dissolution at the **District Court of The Hague**.
Help in Rijswijk
- Legal Counter Rijswijk: Free advice on rent arrears.
- District Court of The Hague: Handles procedures for Rijswijk.
- Municipality of Rijswijk: Help with debts or allowances.
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord cut off the electricity? No, that is unlawful.
Where to get rent allowance? Via the Tax Authorities; sometimes pays arrears directly.