A model rental contract is a starting point, not proof that every clause is valid or suitable. Check the accommodation, start date, contract type, basic rent and additional payments before accepting the agreement or transferring money.
Editorial review: Arslan Advocaten. Updated 24 October 2026.
Match the model to the actual accommodation
A self-contained dwelling, room, lodging arrangement and business premises do not use the same legal framework. Identify the landlord and any representative. Check which rooms and facilities you can use and whether parking, furniture or storage are included. Keep the advertisement and any promises made before signing.
Read the duration and ending provisions
For new residential agreements, indefinite tenancy has been the starting point since 1 July 2024, with statutory exceptions. A printed end date or the term expat does not establish an exception. Ask why a temporary arrangement is permitted and keep the answer. Distinguish a notice of expiry from ordinary termination and from a settlement ending the tenancy.
Split the monthly payment
List basic rent, service-charge advances, utilities and other sums separately. Ask how advances are reconciled and which evidence can be inspected. An all-in price requires separate assessment. Check the deposit, recipient, payment deadline and written proof. A requirement in a contract does not establish that a fee is lawful.
Inspect increases, repair duties and penalties
Read the entire increase formula, including indexation, surcharge, minimum percentage and any market-review clause. Compare it with the applicable annual statutory cap. Review maintenance, access, subletting, joint liability and penalties together with the general conditions. Mandatory tenant protection cannot simply be removed by labelling a term standard.
Document the condition and resolve missing information
Arrange an initial inspection with dated photographs and inventory. Ask for missing points information and an applicable energy label. Send a clear request identifying missing documents and disputed wording before signing. If you already signed, keep the original: signature does not necessarily validate a term contrary to mandatory law, but avoid unilaterally ignoring payment obligations.
Documents to collect
- Draft or signed lease and general conditions
- Advertisement and pre-contract messages
- Breakdown of rent, advances, deposit and fees
- Points information, energy label and inventory
- The explanation for any proposed temporary term
Frequently asked questions
Does using a standard model make the contract lawful?
No. The actual arrangement, mandatory rules and individual terms still matter.
Can I ask for a review after signing?
Yes. Keep the version you signed and explain the practical problem or deadline.
Should all monthly payments be called rent?
Distinguish basic rent from advances and other charges so each item can be assessed properly.
Discuss the right next step
Send the complete agreement, relevant correspondence and the next deadline. We first assess the legal question, evidence and appropriate route. The first consultation is free and without obligation. Eligible individuals may qualify for subsidised legal aid; a personal contribution or other costs can remain. Where private fees apply, we agree the scope and expected costs before further work. A contact request does not itself preserve a statutory or court deadline.
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Related tenancy guides
- Landlord ending your tenancy in the Netherlands: notice, grounds and your response
- Indefinite tenancy agreement in the Netherlands: ending the contract and tenant protection
- Housing through a Dutch employment agency: must you leave when work stops?
