Termination of Tenancy by Landlord in Leiden: Grounds and Procedure

In Leiden, landlords can terminate the tenancy for urgent reasons, such as rent arrears, nuisance or urgent own use (art. 7:271 BW). First send a notice of termination with a minimum notice period of three months. Tenants in Leiden have a right of consent, but in case of refusal, the landlord must go to the sub-district court in Leiden. Specific grounds in Leiden include own use by the landlord, large-scale renovation in neighbourhoods such as the Merenwijk or Professorenwijk, or non-payment. Upon approval, the tenancy ends; in case of refusal, a procedure follows at the District Court of The Hague, location Leiden. The tenant may respond within two months. The judge tests the reasonableness through a balancing of interests, taking into account the tight Leiden housing market. In case of successful termination for own use, the landlord must offer alternative accommodation, often via the Leiden priority list. Case example: in renovations of historic buildings around the Rapenburg, a landlord lost because the monuments permit was missing, supported by the Municipality of Leiden. Use model letters from the Huurcommissie or consult the Juridisch Loket in Leiden at Bargelaan. Tenants with low income via the Leiden allowances scheme often receive longer periods or priority for social housing. Due to the strict enforcement by the municipality against illegality, this process protects Leiden tenants against arbitrariness. For personal advice: engage a local tenancy law specialist, such as via the Huurteam Leiden.