Many expats in the Netherlands rent a property with a temporary lease. Landlords and brokers often use this form of contract to maintain flexibility. For expats this seems logical: they usually stay in the Netherlands for only a few months or years. However, there are significant risks associated with temporary leases, especially around the deposit, extension and termination.

The rental law lawyers of Arslan Advocaten explain what the rules are and what expats should pay attention to.

What is a temporary lease?

A temporary lease is a rental agreement for a certain period of time, usually:

• Maximum 2 years for independent residences.

• Maximum 5 years for dependent residences (for example, rooms).

After the end date, the contract automatically terminates, unless the landlord timely extends it or converts it into a contract for an indefinite period.

Why expats often get a temporary contract

1. Flexibility for landlords – they want to be able to terminate easily.

2. Expats often lease short – landlords adjust the contract accordingly.

3. Little knowledge among expats – landlords take advantage of ignorance about tenant protection.

Pitfalls for expats

1. No certainty about extension
   Many expats assume that extension goes without saying. This is not the case: the landlord has to arrange this actively.

2. Unjustly high deposit
   With temporary contracts, a higher deposit is often requested, sometimes even 3 or 4 months’ rent. This is usually excessive.

3. Confusion about termination
   A temporary contract ends automatically, but only if the landlord confirms this in writing at least 1 month before the end date.

4. No tenant protection
   Expats often think that they have no rights at all. This is not correct: even with temporary contracts, tenant protection against unreasonable conditions or excessive deposit applies.

Examples from practice

• Expat in Utrecht: received a temporary contract of 1 year, with a deposit of 3 months. The court ruled that this was excessive; the deposit was reduced.

• Expats in Rotterdam: did not receive written confirmation of termination. Therefore, their temporary contract automatically continued for an indefinite period.

• Student-expat in The Hague: paid a deposit and cleaning costs that were not agreed. These were refunded through the court.

Your rights as an expat with temporary contracts

• Deposit may not exceed 1 or 2 months’ rent.

• The contract only ends automatically if this has been confirmed in writing by the landlord.

• In case of doubt or dispute, you can go to the Rental Committee or court.

• After the end of a temporary contract, you can often claim a contract for an indefinite period.

Checklist for expats with temporary contracts

• 📑 Check the end date and written confirmation.

• 📉 Never pay more than 2 months’ deposit.

• ✉️ Request an English translation of the contract.

• 📷 Document the state of the property upon entering and leaving.

• ⚖️ Consult a rental law lawyer in case of doubt or disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a landlord always give a temporary contract to an expat?
Yes, but maximum terms and legal rules apply.

2. Can a temporary contract be extended tacitly?
No, after it ends it is either terminated (with confirmation) or converted into an indefinite period.

3. Do I have to pay more deposit with a temporary contract?
No, expats have the same rights: normally 1 to 2 months’ deposit.

4. What can I do if my landlord does not comply with the rules?
You can enforce your rights through the Rental Committee or court.

Conclusion

Temporary rental contracts are often the reality for expats, but they carry risks. Know that you have the same rights as Dutch tenants, also regarding deposit and tenant protection.

The rental law lawyers of Arslan Advocaten assist expats in disputes about temporary contracts, deposits and unjust terminations.