Termination of Tenancy by Landlord in Amsterdam: Grounds and Procedure

In Amsterdam, landlords can terminate the tenancy for urgent reasons, such as rent arrears, nuisance or serious default (art. 7:271 BW). Due to the tight housing market in the city, this process is strictly regulated. First, the landlord sends a notice of termination with a minimum notice period of three months. Tenants in Amsterdam have a strong right of consent, but in case of refusal, the landlord must go to the subdistrict court in Amsterdam. Specific grounds include own use (with proof of no alternative housing), renovation or non-payment. Upon approval, the tenancy ends; in case of refusal, a procedure follows at the Rechtbank Amsterdam. Tenants may respond within two months. The judge assesses the reasonableness through a balancing of interests, taking into account the Amsterdam housing pressure and protective rules such as the Huisvestingsverordening Amsterdam. In case of successful termination for own use, the landlord must offer alternative accommodation, often via the municipality or housing associations. Practice examples in Amsterdam: in renovation cases, the landlord recently lost cases if no environmental permit was present, and in nuisance cases in the Jordaan, the judge weighed heavily on livability in densely populated neighbourhoods. Use model letters from the Huurcommissie or ROOD advice point in Amsterdam. Tenants with low income or urgency status often receive longer periods or urgency for alternative housing via WoningNet. In the urban context of canal houses and new builds, this process protects against arbitrariness and offers tenants in Amsterdam strong defence. Always consult a local tenancy law specialist, such as at the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam, for personal advice.