Grounds for Termination by Landlords in Tilburg: When is it Allowed?

Landlords in Tilburg cannot terminate a lease agreement arbitrarily; there must be valid grounds for termination, as laid down in Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Three main categories also apply locally: urgent own use (e.g., for family), non-payment of rent (after summons by a bailiff), and disorderly conduct. For residential tenancies in neighbourhoods such as Oud-Zuid or the Reeshof, the landlord must prove that no reasonable alternative exists, taking into account the tight Tilburg housing market. In cases of own use, the tenant has priority for an alternative dwelling via Housing Foundation Trivire or other housing associations. The sub-district court judge in Tilburg scrutinises strictly: only about 20% of termination attempts succeed, partly due to high pressure on social housing. Procedure: written notice of termination with reason, followed by possible tenant consent or proceedings before the District Court of East Brabant in Tilburg. Tenants with urgency status via the municipality have additional protection under the local Housing Allocation Ordinance. Example: a landlord in the Tuinstadwijk wants to move in themselves after retirement – this qualifies as urgent own use provided it is proven with evidence of income reduction. For renovation, such as in the expanding Spoorzone, temporary termination applies with a rehousing obligation. Landlords risk damage claims for wrongful termination, plus penalty payments. In Tilburg, lawyers from the Legal Counter (Juridisch Loket) often advise mediation via the Wmo counter. These grounds balance interests and prevent arbitrariness on the overheated market. (248 words)