Tenants' Rights in Cases of Compulsory Lease Termination in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, tenants have robust rights in cases of compulsory lease termination, such as the landlord's bankruptcy or expropriation in neighbourhoods like the Jordaan or Oost. The lease agreement automatically transfers to the new landlord (Article 7:219 BW). In the event of eviction due to default, the landlord must first issue a warning and await a court judgment. Tenants in Amsterdam cannot simply be put out on the street; a garnishment-free foot applies and the municipality provides emergency accommodation via the Wmo counter. In the case of urgent termination by the landlord, the tenant may annul the termination if the reason is not urgent, for example, in the case of temporary nuisance in a canal house. Rights include hearing and opportunity to be heard at the Huurcommissie and appeal to the Amsterdam cantonal court. In crisis situations, such as corona deferral or the recent housing shortage, the municipality provides extra protection via the Meldpunt Huurdersdwang and Het Parool often reports abuses. Document everything: correspondence, rent receipts, and reports to the Amsterdam Huurteam. Seek free legal assistance via Juridisch Loket Amsterdam or the Huurteam in Oost or West. Unlike mutual agreement, these formal safeguards protect against unlawful conduct by landlords in the city. Tenants can claim damages for unjustified termination, supported by the strict Amsterdam rental policy. The law prioritises housing security in this tight market. (278 words)