A residential tenancy agreement (huurovereenkomst woonruimte) is a contract under which a landlord gives a tenant the use of a home in return for rent (article 7:201 Dutch Civil Code). Mandatory rules in article 7:232 and following protect residential tenants against termination and excessive rent.
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Fixed term or indefinite term?
Since the Permanent Tenancy Act (Wet vaste huurcontracten) of 1 July 2024, an indefinite term is the rule. A temporary tenancy agreement is only allowed in specific statutory cases, such as letting to students or young people.
How is the rent regulated?
Maximum rent follows from the housing valuation system (woningwaarderingsstelsel). Since the Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur) of 1 July 2024, the mid-rent segment is also regulated: in 2026 it covers homes with 144 to 186 points, with a maximum rent of EUR 1,228.07 per month. Tenants can ask the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) for a rent review.
How can the agreement be terminated?
A tenant may terminate with a notice period equal to the payment period, at least 1 and at most 3 months (article 7:271). A landlord may only terminate on a statutory ground in article 7:274, such as urgent personal use, with a notice period of 3 months plus 1 month per year of tenancy, up to 6 months. If the tenant does not agree, the court decides. This is residential rent protection.
What about the deposit?
Many landlords use the ROZ model agreement. Since the Good Landlordship Act (Wet goed verhuurderschap) of 1 July 2023, the deposit may not exceed 2 months’ basic rent. It must be repaid within 14 days after the tenancy ends, or within 30 days if costs are deducted.
Related terms
- Temporary tenancy agreement
- Residential rent protection
- Housing valuation system
- Service charges
- Eviction
For tenancy disputes, see our tenancy law page. Book a free introductory meeting.
