Many expats think that their lease in the Netherlands can be terminated as soon as the landlord wants. Fortunately, this is not the case. In the Netherlands, there is indeed a strong tenant protection, also for expats. The rental rights lawyers of Arslan Lawyers explain what tenant protection entails, in which cases the landlord can terminate the lease and how you as an expat can defend yourself.
What is tenant protection?
Tenant protection means that a landlord cannot just terminate the lease. The law gives tenants – including expats – strong rights. In most cases, the landlord can only terminate the lease through the court, and only with a legal reason.
When can a landlord terminate the lease?
A landlord can only terminate the lease in the following cases:
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Temporary lease that legally ends
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Since 2016 it is possible to have temporary contracts (e.g., 1 or 2 years). After the lease ends, the landlord can terminate the contract, but this has to be announced in time.
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Own use
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The landlord wants to live in the house himself. The judge strictly tests whether this is justified.
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Non-payment or bad tenant
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For example, if the rent is not paid structurally or the property is seriously neglected.
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Urgent private use
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For example, in the case of a demolition or renovation that cannot take place with the tenant.
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Mutual consent
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If the tenant and the landlord agree on termination.
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Common mistakes made by landlords
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Landlords often think that expats are less knowledgeable about their rights and try to terminate contracts in the meantime.
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Expats often receive “threat letters” in which the landlord says they must leave within a month. In reality, this can usually only be done through the court.
Examples from practice
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Expat in Amsterdam: received a letter stating he had to leave the dwelling within a month. The judge ruled that the landlord had no valid reason and the expat could stay.
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International employee in The Hague: rented a dwelling temporarily, but the landlord tried to terminate the lease before the expiration date. This was declared unlawful.
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Student in Rotterdam: faced threat of eviction due to alleged ‘nuisance.’ The judge ruled that there was no valid case and the student was allowed to stay.
Checklist for expats at lease termination
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📑 Check if your contract is temporary or indefinite.
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📅 Pay attention to whether the landlord has given a notification (at least 1-3 months beforehand).
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⚖️ Never agree to termination just like that.
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📉 Always pay the rent to avoid eviction.
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👨⚖️ Consult a lawyer immediately if the landlord threatens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can my landlord end my lease just like that?
No, this can only be done with a legal reason and usually through the court.
2. Does tenant protection also apply to expats with a temporary contract?
Yes, but the rules are slightly different. For temporary contracts, the lease ends after expiration, provided the landlord has notified this in time.
3. What if my landlord says that I have to leave immediately?
You do not have to leave like that. Only a judge can determine eviction.
4. I am an expat and I am returning to my home country. Do I have to arrange something?
Yes, timely terminate the rent yourself according to the notice period in the contract.
Conclusion
In the Netherlands, expats have the same tenant protection as other tenants. The landlord cannot just terminate the lease. Know that only a judge can finally decide on eviction.
The rental rights lawyers of Arslan Lawyers assist expats in disputes over lease termination and eviction.
