As of July 1, 2024, a change in the law applies to the rental market in the Netherlands. As of this date, landlords must almost always offer a permanent lease to new tenants immediately.
Exceptions
Despite the new law (Fixed Lease Law) where permanent leases are the norm, there are exceptions. In some cases, it is still possible to offer a fixed-term lease.
List Exceptions for Fixed Leases
Below you can find a list in which it is possible to use a temporary lease:
- Students: Students who are temporarily studying elsewhere may receive a fixed-term lease for the duration of their studies.
- Temporary Housing by Renovation: If your home is being renovated and you need to live somewhere else temporarily, you can get a temporary contract.
- Social Shelter and Social Emergency: Persons coming out of a social shelter or in a social emergency situation may receive a temporary lease.
- Second Chance Tenants: tenants who have previously lost a lease due to nuisance, for example, may be given a temporary lease as a second or last chance.
- Young people between 16 and 27: Young people who take over a lease from a deceased parent/caregiver may receive a temporary lease.
- Divorced Parents: Parents who are getting divorced and need temporary housing to stay close to their children can get a temporary lease.
- Work on a Wadden Island: For work on a Wadden Island, a temporary lease can be arranged.
- Status holders: Refugees with residency status who come directly from a COA reception facility and are waiting for permanent housing may be given a temporary contract.
Other Situations where a Temporary Lease is Possible
In addition to the above exceptions, there remain some other situations in which a permanent lease is not required:
- Vacancy Act: Homes that are temporarily vacant, such as when they are for sale and the owner has already moved out, can be rented out temporarily with the permission of the municipality.
- Intermediate Lease or Diplomacy Clause: If the owner is temporarily absent due to, for example, a long trip or work abroad, a temporary lease can be agreed upon.
- Hospice rental: If you live in the same house as your landlord and share common facilities, you may have a temporary lease.
- Short Period Rental: Vacation rentals or other temporary accommodations are also subject to an exception.
For more information visit the central government website: May my landlord offer me a temporary lease? | Rijksoverheid.nl
