Rent Arrears in Tilburg: Procedure and Steps
**Rent arrears** arise when a tenant does not pay the rent on time. In Tilburg, the landlord is required to grant a **payment term** before taking further action, as stipulated in the **Rent Act** and **Civil Code (CC)**. Follow the correct steps to avoid legal complications.
This article describes the approach to rent arrears in Tilburg, your **rights and obligations**, and practical steps. Including local institutions such as the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100 and Juridisch Loket Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364. Answers to frequently asked questions follow as well.
What is rent arrears?
**Rent arrears** means not paying rent or service charges such as service or energy costs on the agreed date. Under the **Rent Act (art. 7:200 CC)**, the tenant must pay on time. Even one day in arrears counts, but action is often only taken after a month. The landlord must first offer a **payment term**.
Legal basis in Tilburg
Important rules:
- Rent Act (art. 7:200 CC): Payment rules and procedure in case of arrears.
- CC art. 7:220 and 7:221: Requirements for **payment term** and **instalment plan**.
- Rent Allowance Act: Extra protection in case of allowance.
- Debt Restructuring (WSNP): Option for unaffordable arrears.
- Local: District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100, Tilburg handles rental disputes.
Steps in case of rent arrears in Tilburg
Follow these steps as tenant or landlord.
For landlords: your step-by-step plan
Start with a **payment term** (minimum 14 days, art. 7:220 CC).
- Send payment term: Written letter with amount and deadline (min. 14 days).
- Draw up instalment plan: Written proposal for instalment payments, signed by both parties.
- Terminate lease agreement: In case of non-compliance: letter with end date (min. 1 month in advance).
- Start court proceedings: **Summons** or **writ of summons** via District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant, Wilhelminapark 100.
Prohibited: Locking yourself or removing belongings without court permission.
For tenants: what should you do?
Contact your landlord immediately in case of payment problems. Seek help from Juridisch Loket Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364 for free advice. Options:
- Pay arrears in one go.
- Propose an instalment plan.
- Apply for rent allowance or debt assistance via the Municipality of Tilburg.
- In case of unjustified claims: defence at the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant.
Local assistance in Tilburg
- District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant: Wilhelminapark 100, Tilburg – for writs of summons and judgments.
- Juridisch Loket Tilburg: Spoorlaan 364 – free legal advice for tenants.
- Municipality of Tilburg: Debt assistance for payment plans.
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord cut off the electricity? No, that is prohibited.
What if I have rent allowance? Pay via allowance; request deferral from the Tax Authorities.
For more help: call Juridisch Loket Tilburg, Spoorlaan 364.