Solving rental problems? Ask for free advice now!


Questioner

Last summer I was away for two months. During this period I sublet my room to an acquaintance. We agreed verbally - very unwise of me - in good faith that the room could be used by the tenant for an x ​​amount per week until I returned from my trip. However, the tenant avoided any form of contact during the trip. Last week I returned and evicted the tenant from my room. However, he refuses to pay rent and denies that there was an agreement between us. In fact, I can prove through witness statements from housemates and photos of his presence that he used the room for several weeks. The handover and collection of the keys also took place in the presence of a witness. Several collection letters addressed to the tenant and which I found in my room after his departure have made me suspect that the tenant has financial problems and is trying to avoid paying in this way. However, I currently have no hard evidence of the verbal agreement, apart from a digital conversation in which we agreed on a place and time to negotiate the conditions of the rental. Another possible proof is that the tenant admitted in the presence of a witness that he was present for at least x weeks and that this presence caused him to owe x amount. Is demonstrating the actual presence - possibly in combination with the aforementioned witness statement - sufficient evidence for the judge to grant a claim for rent arrears? If not, what steps do you think I should take to still be able to claim the rent?

Lawyer

The question is whether you want to take legal action, since this involves costs and your knowledge probably offers no recourse. It may well be that you will only lose out financially.

Lawyer

An oral lease is also legally valid and creates an obligation. If you can clearly indicate and can demonstrate by means of handing over the keys that there has been a 'delivery', then you can urge the tenant to his obligation of paying the rent. If you would like further information, please feel free to contact me directly by private message.

Neem de volgende stap

Blijf niet rondlopen met vragen over je situatie. Stel je vraag en krijg persoonlijk antwoord van een ervaren jurist.
Privacy is gewaarborgd.