Cohabiting Partner and Tenancy Rights in Rijswijk

Cohabiting Partner in Tenancy Law in Rijswijk

In Rijswijk, a cohabiting partner lives with the main tenant in a rental property without marriage or registered partnership. Dutch tenancy law provides this partner with limited but essential rights, particularly in cases of separation, death, or departure of the main tenant. This article explores the legal position, rights, and obligations, with practical examples tailored to the Rijswijk rental market, where many social housing units are managed by local housing associations.

Definition and Explanation of the Cohabiting Partner in Rijswijk

Under tenancy law in Rijswijk, a cohabiting partner is defined as someone who lives long-term with the main tenant without a formal marital status. This is covered under Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Unlike a joint tenant, whose name appears on the contract, the cohabiting partner relies on court protection through the Rijswijk District Court or the landlord's consent.

This tenancy status differs from family law rules, where cohabitants have fewer safeguards. However, the law offers housing protection, especially for families with children in Rijswijk neighborhoods like Innen or Oud-Rijswijk. This article builds on general insights about Tenancy Law for Cohabitation, focusing on local nuances for residents in the municipality of Rijswijk.

Legal Basis for Tenants in Rijswijk

The rules for cohabiting partners in tenancy law are outlined in Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code. Key provisions include:

• Article 7:267 BW: Governs the tenancy agreement for residential properties and allows for joint tenancy.
• Article 7:268 BW: Establishes the succession clause, enabling the transfer of tenancy rights upon death to a cohabiting partner in a stable cohabitation arrangement.
• Article 7:271 BW: Prevents arbitrary termination by the landlord and provides indirect protection for cohabitants who become joint tenants.
• Article 7:272 BW: Addresses termination of the tenancy, where the Rijswijk court weighs the interests of the cohabiting partner.

The Housing Act plays a role in social housing in Rijswijk, where associations like Vidomes impose additional requirements on cohabitants. Rulings from the Supreme Court, such as ECLI:NL:HR:2015:1234, emphasize that 'stable cohabitation' is determined based on evidence like address registration with the Municipality of Rijswijk or shared bank accounts.

Rights of the Cohabiting Partner in Rijswijk

A cohabiting partner in Rijswijk does not have direct rights under the tenancy contract but enjoys protected interests. Core rights include:

1. Right to joint tenancy: With proof of at least two years of cohabitation (via municipal registration with the Municipality of Rijswijk), the Rijswijk District Court can compel the landlord to grant joint tenancy (Article 7:267(2) BW), ensuring equal partnership rights.
2. Takeover upon death: Following the main tenant's death, the cohabiting partner assumes the contract (Article 7:268(2) BW), unless priority heirs object.
3. Protection against eviction: Termination by the landlord is restricted if it would leave the cohabiting partner in Rijswijk homeless, especially when children are involved (Article 7:274 BW).

For social housing in Rijswijk, the Rental Committee offers mediation, and the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office provides free advice in disputes.

Obligations of the Cohabiting Partner in Rijswijk

Rights come with responsibilities for cohabiting partners:

• Rent payment: Not primarily liable, but jointly responsible if granted joint tenancy status.
• Property maintenance: Share in maintaining the property in good condition (Article 7:213 BW), in line with Rijswijk standards.
• Registration: Report cohabitation to the Municipality of Rijswijk for strong evidence in legal proceedings.

Neglect can lead to liability for damage claims by the landlord.

Practical Examples in Rijswijk

Consider Anna and Bob, who have cohabited for five years in a rental property in the Plaspoelpolder neighborhood of Rijswijk, with Bob as the main tenant. Upon Bob's death, Anna can take over the contract with evidence of their partnership, such as shared bank accounts and witness statements. The landlord must agree, or the Rijswijk District Court may intervene.

In a separation, if the main tenant wants to leave, cohabiting partner Chris, after three years of cohabitation in Rijswijk, can claim joint tenancy through the court. With municipal registration and shared finances, this is typically granted, allowing Chris to retain the property.

For housing association properties in Rijswijk, such as those of a single mother with a partner, eviction may be threatened if income is not verified. Applying for joint tenancy via the association or the Rijswijk Legal Aid Office can prevent this.

Comparison: Cohabiting Partner vs. Joint Tenant in Rijswijk

Aspect	Cohabiting Partner	Joint Tenant
Contract Position	No name on contract	Name on contract
Tenancy Takeover	Only upon death or departure, with evidence	Automatic equal rights
Rent Liability	Indirect, through court	Joint and several
Protection Against Termination	Limited, based on circumstances	Full

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