Extension of Temporary Rental Agreements in Zoetermeer: Rules and Pitfalls

In Zoetermeer, a growing city in the Randstad with extensive new construction and expat communities, extending a temporary rental agreement is possible but strictly regulated. Article 7:271(2) of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) limits extensions to a maximum of two, with the total duration for room rentals not exceeding two years. For independent housing in neighborhoods such as Rokkeveen or Seghwaert, the chain regulation applies: after three temporary contracts or two years, the agreement automatically converts into an indefinite-term contract. In Zoetermeer, where the rental market is tight due to its proximity to The Hague and Rotterdam, local landlords often require written consent from both parties; verbal agreements are invalid and may lead to disputes at the Zoetermeer subdistrict court. Pitfalls: some landlords in Zoetermeer attempt to circumvent indefinite-term contracts through new agreements, particularly for temporary jobs at local tech companies or students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Tenants can challenge this. Costs: extensions may not result in rent increases above the index without explicit agreement, and housing corporations such as Vidomes enforce strict affordability standards for rental properties in Zoetermeer. Tip: review contracts for clauses on tacit extension, common for rooms in Zoetermeer-Noord. If in doubt, consult a local lawyer via the Legal Counter (Juridisch Loket) in Zoetermeer. Practical examples: expats in temporary apartments or first-time renters in Seghwaert. (248 words)