Eviction Protection for Tenants in Cases of Default in Amsterdam

Eviction due to default (art. 7:231 DCC) always requires judicial review by the district court judge at the Amsterdam District Court in Amsterdam. Typical grounds: rent arrears of at least 3 months, serious nuisance such as noise disturbance in densely populated neighbourhoods like the Jordaan or Oost, or illegal use such as subletting in monumental buildings. Procedure: summons via bailiff, hearing before the district court judge at IJdok or Prins Bernhardplein, with possible penalty payment. Tenants in Amsterdam have strong defence rights, for example via proof of payment, informal care argument (art. 7:274 DCC) or appeal to the strict local rent policy rules. During corona, deferral applied via the Temporary Housing Regulation Amsterdam. First warning is mandatory for reasonableness, often via the Amsterdam Huurteams. Examples: noise nuisance with police report from Amsterdam-Amstelland police, or drug-related reports via Meld Misdaad Anoniem. Urgent eviction only in case of acute danger (art. 7:236 DCC), such as fire hazard in canal houses. Tenant may never replace locks themselves. Costs: court fee €85, plus bailiff's fee; check subsidies via Amsterdam Legal Aid Office. Alternative: free mediation by Huurteam Amsterdam or Woonbelangen Amsterdam. Recent Good Landlordship Act (2023) obliges landlords to screen more strictly, with extra focus on expats in the canal belt where shorter terms apply, but basic protection remains via the Tenancy Act. Tips for Amsterdam tenants: settle arrears via payment plan with housing associations such as Ymere or Duurzaam Wonen Amsterdam; landlords document reports with the municipality. After eviction: damage claim via the court possible. This balance safeguards property rights versus enjoyment of housing in the tight Amsterdam market. Seek free advice at Juridisch Loket Amsterdam (locations on Linnaeusstraat or Postjesweg) or Huurpunt. Prevent escalation with dialogue via the neighbourhood teams. (312 words)