Subletting and Termination in Leiden: Risks and Rules

In Leiden, the quintessential student city of the Netherlands, subletting is popular in student accommodations in neighbourhoods such as the city centre and Professorenbuurt. However, subletting always requires written consent from both the main tenant and the landlord; without it, it is prohibited and may lead to immediate termination. Upon termination of the main tenancy, the subtenancy ends automatically, unless the landlord agrees to continuation (Article 7:267 of the Dutch Civil Code). As a subtenant, you enjoy no termination protection against the main tenant. Procedure: request consent via email or letter, often with a security deposit. Landlords in Leiden, such as DUWO or private owners, refuse in cases of default or nuisance. Practical example: a student in Leiden sublets a room in a student house on Herenstraat; upon the main tenant's departure, the subtenant must leave, or risks eviction. In disputes, the subdistrict court in Leiden rules; subtenants sometimes claim damages due to misrepresentation. Protection: the sublease agreement may not exceed the duration of the main tenancy. Illegal subletting, often seen with Airbnb in Leiden, leads to fines and termination – since the stricter local ordinance of 2023, short-term rental is limited to a maximum of 30 nights per year. The municipality of Leiden actively monitors abuse in rental pressure areas. These rules prevent chain terminations and protect scarce housing. Always check your landlord's house rules and consult the Juridisch Loket Leiden for advice. (248 words)