A fixed-term rental contract has not been allowed without restrictions since July 1, 2024. The law has been amended to give tenants more security. However, there are still 8 exceptions. In this article, we explain in which situations a temporary rental contract is still allowed.
What changed since July 1, 2024?
Previously, a landlord could enter into a temporary rental contract without many rules. After the agreed end date, the rental would automatically stop. This is no longer allowed. Unless your situation falls under one of the 8 exceptions.
The 8 exceptions
Rental under the Vacancy Act
If a property is vacant and intended for sale, renovation or demolition, it may be temporarily rented with a Vacancy Act permit from the municipality.
Example: You want to sell your house, but it doesn't work out immediately. You temporarily rent it out under the Vacancy Act until it is sold.
Temporary rental of your own home during absence
Are you temporarily renting out your own home because you are working or studying abroad, for example? Then this is allowed, provided you return to the home yourself afterwards.
Example: You work in Spain for a year and rent out your home in the meantime. You clearly state in the contract that you will return after that period.
Rental in connection with demolition or renovation
Will a property be demolished or extensively renovated soon? Then it may still be rented temporarily, as long as this is related to the planned work.
Example: The property will be demolished in six months. Until then, the property may be rented temporarily.
Temporary rental with care or support
Some people live temporarily in a home with care or support. This can be in a care institution or a supported living project. It must be a temporary care program.
Example: Someone with a mild intellectual disability receives temporary residential support. The rental stops when the program ends.
Campus contract for students
Students can still rent temporarily with a campus contract. The property must be designated for students, for example on or near an educational institution. The contract usually ends when the student stops studying.
Example: A student rents a room in a student flat on campus. When they stop studying, the rental contract ends.
Urgent situations such as emergency shelter
In crisis situations, temporary rental is allowed, for example to someone who urgently needs accommodation. Think of victims of domestic violence, homelessness or divorce. The rental is then intended as a temporary solution.
Example: A municipality temporarily shelters a divorced parent with children, until permanent accommodation is available.
Rental to temporary workers
Temporary work can be a reason for temporary rental. This especially applies to seasonal workers or expats who only live and work in the Netherlands for a few months.
Example: An asparagus harvester works on a farm for 3 months and temporarily rents accommodation through the employer.
Trial cohabitation or temporary lodging contracts
Sometimes someone wants to temporarily live with another person to see if it works out. This is called trial cohabitation. It also occurs in care situations, for example when a child temporarily moves in with a parent to provide informal care.
Example: A daughter temporarily moves to her mother to care for her. She enters into a temporary rental contract through the housing association.
What if your situation does not fall under the 8 exceptions?
Then a temporary rental contract is not allowed. Your contract then automatically counts as a contract for an indefinite period. The landlord cannot simply terminate the rental on the agreed end date, but must formally terminate it with a legally permitted reason.