Grounds for Termination by Landlords in Rijswijk: When Is It Allowed?

In Rijswijk, landlords cannot terminate a lease agreement arbitrarily; there must be valid grounds for termination, as laid down in Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Three main categories also apply locally: urgent own use (e.g., for family), non-payment of rent (after summons), and disorderly conduct. For residential tenancies in neighbourhoods such as Innen or Oud-Rijswijk, the landlord must prove that no reasonable alternative exists, taking into account the tight housing market in the Haaglanden region. In cases of own use, the tenant has priority for an alternative dwelling via the Municipality of Rijswijk or Woonbron. The court examines strictly: only about 20% of termination attempts succeed, partly due to local tenant protection. Procedure: written notice of termination stating the reason, followed by possible tenant consent or court proceedings before the sub-district court (kantonrechter) in The Hague. Tenants with urgency status via Rijswijk Wonen have extra protection against forced eviction. Example: a landlord in Plaspoelpolder wants to move in themselves after retirement – this qualifies as urgent own use provided it is proven with pension evidence. In case of renovation, such as the many renovations in Rijswijk-Buiten, temporary termination applies with a rehousing obligation. Landlords risk damage claims for unjustified termination, plus penalty payments if the tenant remains. Local advice centres such as the Juridisch Loket in Rijswijk assist tenants. These grounds balance interests and prevent arbitrariness in Rijswijk's busy rental market. (248 words)