Temporary Rental Agreement in Zoetermeer: Rules and Duration

In Zoetermeer, landlords have been able to use temporary rental agreements for independent living spaces since 2016. This offers flexibility, but there are strict rules to protect tenants.

Definition of a Temporary Rental Agreement

A temporary rental agreement is an agreement that automatically ends after the agreed term, without the landlord needing to give notice. This is laid down in the Tenancy Market Flow Act.

Maximum Duration

Type of Housing	Maximum Duration
Independent living space	Maximum 2 years
Non-independent living space (room)	Maximum 5 years

The duration can also be shorter, such as 9 months or one and a half years.

Conditions for Temporary Agreements

For a legally valid temporary rental agreement in Zoetermeer, specific requirements apply:

Written agreement: The temporary nature must be clearly stated in the contract.
Maximum duration: No longer than 2 years for independent spaces and 5 years for non-independent spaces.
First tenant: Only for the first rental to this person.
Announce end: Landlord must timely notify the end of the contract.

Notice Obligation

The landlord is obliged to inform the tenant in writing of the end:

Timeframe: Between 3 months and 1 month before expiry.
Form: In writing, by letter or e-mail.
Consequence of negligence: The contract is converted to indefinite term.

Example Schedule

For a contract from 1 August 2024 to 1 August 2025:

Notice possible from: 1 May 2025
Notice at the latest on: 1 July 2025

Termination of the Contract

With correct notice, the contract ends without further action:

No termination by tenant required.
No approval of tenant needed.
No intervention by the court necessary.
Tenant must vacate the property.

No Possibility of Extension

A temporary rental agreement cannot be extended with a new temporary contract:

A subsequent contract automatically becomes indefinite term.
This also applies if the first contract is shorter than 2 years.
Exception: if a new tenant occupies the property.

Early Termination

By the Tenant

In Zoetermeer, a tenant can terminate early if this is included in the contract. Otherwise, the tenant must stay until the end or reach agreement with the landlord.

By the Landlord

The landlord cannot simply terminate early, except in cases of:

Non-payment of rent.
Extreme nuisance.
Other urgent circumstances.

In such cases, the matter must be submitted to the court, such as the District Court of The Hague.

Rent Price Regulation

Even for temporary contracts in Zoetermeer, rent price protection applies:

Social Housing Sector

Initial rent price can be reviewed by the Rent Tribunal within 6 months.
Annual increase according to statutory limits.

Private Sector

No review of initial rent.
Increase according to contract terms.

Conversion to Indefinite Term

A temporary contract becomes indefinite term if:

The landlord forgets or gives notice too late.
The tenant remains after expiry and the landlord takes no action.
A second temporary contract is concluded.
The maximum duration is exceeded.

Rights During the Rental Period

During the temporary contract in Zoetermeer, the tenant has the same rights as under an indefinite term contract:

Right to maintenance by the landlord.
Protection against excessive rent prices (social sector).
Right to privacy in the home.
Protection against discrimination.

Practical Questions

Can I leave earlier for a new home?

This is possible if the contract contains a termination clause or if the landlord agrees. Check your agreement carefully.

Can the landlord refuse extension?

There is no right to extension. The landlord can decide not to rent again, provided this is not discriminatory.

What if I want to stay after 2 years?

If the landlord rents to you again, the contract automatically becomes indefinite term with full rent protection.

Temporary rental agreements in Zoetermeer offer less security. Make sure to think ahead in time about the next place to live. For legal advice, you can contact the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Centre.