Termination Periods and Procedures for Rental Agreements

Termination of a residential rental agreement follows strict rules under Book 7, Title 3 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Tenants are required to provide one month's notice, which must be in writing and sent by registered mail. Landlords must give three months' notice for open-ended contracts, with a compelling reason such as personal use. For rental prices below the liberalisation threshold, tenant protection applies; termination requires approval from the Rent Commission (Huurcommissie). The termination letter must state the end date and the reason for termination. If no response is received, the contract is considered continued. Fixed-term contracts end automatically, but tenants retain six months of rental protection. Termination due to breach of contract, such as non-payment, requires a notice of default. Proof of dispatch is crucial for validity. For social housing, additional rules apply under the Housing Act (Woningwet). Avoid litigation by opting for mediation. After termination, schedule the final inspection promptly. Incorrect termination may result in damage claims. Use model letters from the Dutch government to ensure a smooth termination process without disputes.