Tenant Rights Upon Expiration of a Fixed-Term Rental Agreement in Zoetermeer

In Zoetermeer, a growing city in the Randstad with many expat residences and renovation projects around the Zoetermeer Stadium and Buytenwegh, tenants have specific rights when a fixed-term rental agreement expires. According to Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), the agreement automatically terminates on the agreed-upon date without the need for notice. The landlord may not unilaterally extend the contract without your consent. If you wish to remain in your home on Rokkeveenseweg or in the Seghwaert district, request an extension in writing from your landlord in a timely manner, whether they are local housing associations like Vestia or private expat landlords. Failure to do so may result in eviction proceedings through the subdistrict court in The Hague, which has jurisdiction over Zoetermeer. Important: during the term of the agreement, full tenancy protection applies, including rent control enforced by the Rent Tribunal in Zoetermeer and the landlord’s maintenance obligations for issues such as leaks in newly built apartments. In case of eviction, you are entitled to at least one month’s notice period, unless otherwise agreed in the contract. Consult the local Rent Tribunal Zoetermeer for free advice on disputes, particularly with housing corporations governed by the Housing Act. Examples include fixed-term contracts for expats working at companies in the Asia-China Business Park or during renovations in Oosterheem. Document all correspondence via email or registered mail. If the landlord does not respond, escalate the matter to the subdistrict court to seek continuation of the rental agreement. Note: for social housing in Zoetermeer, stricter suitability standards apply under the Housing Act and the municipality’s local housing regulations. Zoetermeer tenants often report success with Rent Tribunal investigations into rental prices. (287 words)