Dutch Landlords Evicting Tenants Through Intimidation

Dutch Landlords Evicting Tenants Through Intimidation

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Dutch Landlords Evicting Tenants Through Intimidation

Landlords in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities are using intimidation tactics to force tenants out of their apartments to sell the properties at a higher profit. Legal protections for tenants are proving insufficient.

Dutch
Netherlands
HealthNetherlandsHousingEvictionIntimidationLandlordTenant
!WoonHuurteams NijmegenNrc
IreneGert Jan BakkerEnno Van DalenCees Van Leeuwen
What prompted Irene to move out of her apartment?
Irene, a 27-year-old Amsterdam resident, was forced to move out of her apartment after the landlord sold the building, despite having a valid lease. She received a small compensation offer but felt it was insufficient.
What are the limitations of legal protections for tenants in cases of landlord intimidation?
Legal protection for tenants in the Netherlands is insufficient to fully prevent these tactics, as the legal process is lengthy and difficult for tenants, and the courts may be hesitant to intervene in cases involving co-tenancy issues.
What measures have municipalities implemented, and what are the challenges in their enforcement?
While some municipalities have created reporting mechanisms for landlord intimidation, enforcement remains challenging. A recent case in Utrecht highlights the escalation of intimidation to include physical assault and vandalism.
What methods are some landlords using to intimidate tenants and force them to leave their apartments?
Landlords are employing intimidation tactics such as placing disruptive new tenants in the apartment, hoping to force existing tenants to leave. This includes placing individuals with drug or alcohol problems or those who are disruptive in the building.
What broader trend is highlighted in the article regarding landlords in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities?
The landlord's actions are part of a larger trend in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities where landlords are trying to evict tenants to sell properties for a higher profit, taking advantage of recent tax law changes.