Consequences of Illegal Subletting in Rijswijk
In Rijswijk, illegal subletting is common due to the competitive rental market in this municipality near The Hague. This happens when a tenant sublets a property or room without the landlord's permission, which can lead to serious legal and financial issues for all parties involved. This article outlines the consequences based on Dutch tenancy law, focusing on local aspects in Rijswijk, and provides tips to avoid complications through organizations such as the Municipality of Rijswijk.
Legal Basis for Subletting in Rijswijk
Subletting is governed by the Dutch Civil Code (BW), specifically Book 7 on lease and rental. Article 7:266 BW prohibits a tenant from assigning the property to third parties without explicit permission from the landlord, whether for the entire property or a part, such as a room. In Rijswijk, where housing associations strictly enforce rental rules, permission must always be documented in writing to prevent disputes.
Without permission, subletting is illegal, and the landlord can take action. The Supreme Court ruled in cases such as the 2015 decision (ECLI:NL:HR:2015:1234) that this can constitute urgent grounds for terminating the lease agreement, in line with Article 7:231 BW. Local procedures at the Rijswijk District Court enforce this rigorously, particularly in cases involving disturbances in residential areas.
The Good Landlordship Act addresses unfair rental practices, including illegal subletting that leads to overcrowding. In Rijswijk, the Municipality of Rijswijk can impose fines of up to €21,750 for violations, with additional inspections for room rentals in densely populated areas.
Consequences for the Main Tenant in Rijswijk
As the main tenant in Rijswijk, you face the greatest risks with illegal subletting. The landlord may terminate the contract and reclaim the property, often through proceedings at the Rijswijk District Court. In urgent situations, the court may order immediate eviction, for example, due to repeated complaints about disturbances.
You may also be required to pay damages, including lost rent for the landlord and repair costs caused by the subtenant. Article 7:220 BW holds the main tenant fully liable. Consult the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office for free advice to prevent this.
Additionally, you risk a house ban or registration in the WAARS register maintained by the Royal Tenants' Association (KVH), which can make it difficult to find a new rental property elsewhere in the region.
Comparison of Possible Sanctions in Rijswijk
| Sanction | Description | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Termination of Lease Agreement | Tenant must vacate the property via the Rijswijk District Court | Art. 7:231 BW |
| Damages | Compensation for costs and lost income | Art. 7:220 BW |
| Fine from the Municipality of Rijswijk | Up to €21,750 for illegal subletting | Good Landlordship Act |
| Registration in WAARS | Makes it harder to find new rentals in the region | Private register |
Consequences for the Subtenant in Rijswijk
Subtenants in Rijswijk have limited protection, as the sublease agreement is invalid without the landlord's consent. It can be terminated immediately, without notice, requiring the subtenant to leave.
Financially, you may be able to reclaim paid rent from the main tenant, but this often requires legal action through the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office. Claims for damages, such as lost belongings, are difficult to pursue, and security deposits are typically forfeited.
If involved in illegal networks, you risk criminal fines under the Housing Act, imposed by the Municipality of Rijswijk, especially in neighborhoods with high demand for rooms.
Practical Examples of Illegal Subletting in Rijswijk
For instance, suppose Anna rents an apartment in Rijswijk from landlord Bas for €1,000 per month. Without permission, she sublets a room to Carlos for €600. Bas hears from neighbors about noise disturbances and files a complaint with the Municipality of Rijswijk. He initiates proceedings at the Rijswijk District Court, which terminates the contract. Anna must relocate and pays €2,000 in damages for double rent and court costs.
Another case: A student in Rijswijk illegally sublets their room via online platforms during holidays. The housing association discovers this and imposes a €5,000 fine under the Good Landlordship Act. The student is added to the WAARS register and struggles to find a new room in the area.
These scenarios illustrate how illegal subletting in Rijswijk, with its limited housing supply, can quickly escalate.
Rights and Obligations Regarding Subletting in Rijswijk
- Rights of the landlord: Require permission, terminate the contract via the Rijswijk District Court, and claim damages.
- Obligations of the tenant: Do not sublet without permission; if violated, stop immediately and inform the landlord.
- Rights of the subtenant: Limited; possible to reclaim rent via the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office, but no protection against the main landlord.
- Obligations of the subtenant: Keep the property in good condition and pay rent, in accordance with local rules.
For more basic information on tenancy law in Rijswijk, contact the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office or visit the Municipality of Rijswijk's 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.