Many expats who rent a home in the Netherlands believe that they have fewer rights than Dutch tenants. Landlords and real estate agents sometimes deliberately create that impression, for example by saying that expats “don’t have any tenancy protection anyway.” That is not correct.

The tenancy law attorneys at Arslan Advocaten explain which rights expats have, when tenancy protection applies, and how you can defend yourself against unjustified actions by landlords.

What is tenancy protection?

Tenancy protection means that a tenant cannot just be evicted and that the landlord must adhere to strict rules when terminating the lease.

In the Netherlands, the tenant strongly protected. This also applies to expats, regardless of their nationality or residency status.

Misunderstandings about expats and tenant protection

1. “Expats do not have tenant protection.”
   Wrong: expats have the same legal rights as any tenant.

2. “A temporary contract provides no protection.”
   The tenant also has under temporary contracts the right to reasonable terms and protection against abuse.

3. “The deposit may be higher for expats.”
   No, deposit rules are the same for everyone (usually 1 to 2 months’ rent).

When does tenant protection apply to expats?

• With a rental agreement for residential housing (both apartments and rooms).

• Also with temporary contracts, as long as they are not improperly or unfairly drafted.

• In disputes about the deposit, service charges, or rent.

⚠️ Exception: short-stay contracts that are not legally considered “rent” (for example, hotels) do not provide tenant protection.

Real-life examples

• Expat in Amsterdam: was pressured to leave within 2 weeks. The judge ruled that the landlord did not follow the rules; the expat was granted tenant protection.

• Expat couple in Rotterdam: was required to pay a security deposit of 3 months. This was reduced to 2 months because the deposit was excessive.

• International student in Utrecht: received a rent increase of 15%. The judge ruled that this was in violation of the rental price regulations.

Your rights as an expat

• You can have the rent and service charges reviewed by the Rent Tribunal.

• You may not be evicted without a court order.

• You are entitled to a reasonable security deposit and its refund.

• You are entitled to transparent agreements and written confirmation for temporary contracts.

Checklist for expats: tenant protection

• 📑 Make sure you have a written rental contract (preferably also in English).

• 📉 Check that the rent and security deposit are reasonable.

• ✉️ Respond immediately in writing if there is a threat of eviction.

• ⚖️ Consult a tenancy law lawyer for disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do expats in the Netherlands have tenant protection?
Yes, expats have the same legal rights as Dutch tenants.

2. Can a landlord evict an expat just like that?
No, a landlord must go to court to enforce an eviction.

3. Can I have my rent assessed?
Yes, via the Rent Tribunal or the court.

4. Are temporary contracts for expats always binding?
Only if they meet the legal requirements. If there are mistakes, a temporary contract can convert to an indefinite-term contract.

Conclusion

Expats in the Netherlands have the same tenant protections as Dutch tenants. Do not let landlords pressure you by saying that you have fewer rights.

The tenancy law lawyers of Arslan Advocaten assist expats in disputes about rental agreements, deposits, and unlawful termination of tenancy.