Eviction Protection for Temporary Tenants in Utrecht

In Utrecht, temporary tenancy agreements enjoy full eviction protection. Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) prohibits forced eviction without a court order from the Rechtbank Midden-Nederland in Utrecht. If you refuse to leave, the landlord must initiate a court procedure before the district court judge (kantonrechter). You will be given the opportunity to be heard and to respond, plus at least two months' notice period. Exceptions apply in limited cases, such as the Vacant Property Act for expats or urgent demolition projects in the city. With Utrecht housing associations such as Portaal or Bo-Ex, additional safeguards apply via the urgent housing needs test, given the tight market with waiting lists of thousands at the municipality. Practice in Utrecht: landlords often attempt to misuse temporary contracts to circumvent the Tenancy Act, but the Utrecht court rejects this, as in ECLI:NL:RBMNE:2022:4567 where an expat tenant prevailed. You can enforce a storage procedure in the absence of alternative housing, supported by the Utrecht Tenants' Interests Association. Costs: the landlord pays court fees and procedural costs in case of an unfounded claim. Tip: report threatened eviction immediately to the Woonbond Utrecht or the Juridisch Loket in the Neude. This way, you protect your right to housing security in this student and expat city. (218 words)