Eviction Protection for Tenants in Case of Default in Utrecht

Eviction due to default (art. 7:231 BW) always requires judicial review by the district court judge at the palace on Jan van Galenstraat in Utrecht. Grounds: rent arrears of at least 3 months, serious nuisance such as in the vibrant Kanaleneiland neighbourhood or illegal use of a student house. Procedure: summons via bailiff, hearing at the District Court of Midden-Nederland in Utrecht, with possible penalty payment. Tenants can defend themselves with proof of payment, mantelzorg-argument (art. 7:274) or reference to local tenant teams. During corona, deferral applied via the Utrecht Temporary Housing Regulation. First warning is mandatory for reasonableness, especially in municipal reports of noise nuisance with official report. Urgent eviction only in case of acute danger (art. 7:236), such as overcrowding in Oudwijk. Tenant may not replace locks themselves. Costs: court fee €85, plus bailiff's fee. Alternative: free mediation via Huurteam Utrecht or Woonlinie. The Good Landlordship Act (2023) obliges Utrecht landlords such as Portaal to screen and warn before action. For expat rentals in Utrecht Science Park, shorter terms apply, but basic protection remains intact. Tips: tenants arrange arrears via payment plan with the municipality; landlords document reports with the Utrecht Tenants' Council. After eviction: damage claim via the court possible. This balance safeguards property rights and enjoyment of housing in the Domstad. Consult the Juridisch Loket Utrecht for free advice on the Oudegracht. Prevent escalation with dialogue via the neighbourhood teams. (212 words)