Eviction Procedure After Summons for Rental Agreement in Utrecht

In Utrecht, the eviction procedure starts after an unanswered summons from your landlord. The landlord has you summoned before the sub-district judge in Utrecht (location: District Court Midden-Nederland, Utrecht branch at Catharijne Singel). The judge schedules a hearing, often within a few weeks. You get ample opportunity to defend yourself, with proof of payment, medical circumstances such as illness, or an appeal to the stringent Utrecht rental market. In case of rent arrears, the judge usually grants dissolution of the rental agreement and eviction (Article 7:271 DCC), unless compelling reasons such as winter cold or protected status prevail. After the judgment, execution follows via a Utrecht bailiff: postponement possible up to 6 weeks. In case of opposition, the police can assist with forced eviction. Costs amount to €500-€2000, plus deposit and court fees. Protected tenants in Utrecht, such as pregnant women, those over 65, or low-income individuals, benefit from additional safeguards via the municipality. Prevent escalation by paying before the hearing or arranging a payment plan via the Juridisch Loket Utrecht (Kanaalweg 83). After eviction, the rent arrears remain, with collection, BKR registration, and impact on your Woonservice Utrecht registration. Immediately apply for an urgency declaration at the Municipality of Utrecht for a new home, or contact Welsaam for debt counseling. In the Utrecht context, with high vacancy rates and student rentals, eviction is a last resort but strictly legally enforced. Learn the steps and local support lines to protect yourself in Overvecht or Kanaleneiland.