In Leiden, a student city with many rental properties in the private sector, a landlord can demand dissolution and eviction for rent arrears via the cantonal court in the District Court of The Hague (Leiden). First, he sends a written warning with a rectification period of 14 days. If the rent remains unpaid, a writ of summons follows. Grounds: rent at least three months in arrears or repeated arrears, often seen among expats and students around Leiden University.
Tenants in Leiden can defend themselves with proof of payment, problems with rent allowance via the municipality or defects due to poor maintenance, such as in old buildings on the Rapenburg. The judge tests against reasonableness and fairness; during corona there was leniency via national regulations. Procedure costs: €85 court fee, losing tenant pays procedural costs. In case of acute danger, for example nuisance in neighbourhoods like the City Centre, expedited eviction is possible.
Prevention is crucial: propose a payment arrangement or engage the Leiden Rent Team, which in 2023 prevented hundreds of evictions through mediation. The Good Landlordship Act forces landlords to act reasonably. Seek immediate help from the Leiden debt counselling service of WelThuis or the Legal Counter in Breestraat. Local rent teams report a decline in evictions due to early intervention.