In Tilburg, the eviction procedure commences following an unanswered summons from your landlord. The landlord will issue a writ of summons to the subdistrict court at the Oost-Brabant District Court, located in 's-Hertogenbosch, which will schedule a hearing in the region. You will have ample opportunity to present a defense, for example, with evidence of recent payment, medical circumstances, or temporary financial difficulties due to local factors such as redundancy from a Tilburg-based employer.
In cases of rent arrears, the court generally grants termination of the tenancy agreement and eviction (Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code), unless compelling reasons such as illness or pregnancy dictate otherwise. Following the judgment, enforcement is carried out by a bailiff in Tilburg; a postponement of up to 6 weeks may be possible. In cases of resistance, the police may assist in forced eviction. Costs can accumulate to €500-€2000, excluding deposit and court fees.
Protected tenants, such as pregnant women or individuals aged 65 and over, enjoy additional safeguards under Dutch tenancy law. Escalation can be prevented by paying before the hearing or arranging a payment plan with the landlord.
After eviction in Tilburg, rent arrears remain outstanding, potentially leading to debt collection, BKR registration, and an impact on future rental assessments. Apply immediately for an urgency declaration from the Municipality of Tilburg to gain priority for social housing in districts such as Oud-Zuid or Het Zand.
Assistance is available through the Legal Counter in Tilburg (Stationsstraat 29) or debt counseling at SchuldHulpMaatje Tilburg. Eviction remains a last resort, but follow these steps to protect yourself in Tilburg.