The Fixed Rental Contracts Act: end of temporary rentals?

Updated: October 2026

For years a two-year temporary rental contract was perfectly normal, with a lot of uncertainty for tenants. Since 1 July 2024 that has changed through the Fixed Rental Contracts Act (Wet vaste huurcontracten). What does that mean for your contract?

1. The new main rule: indefinite term

Since 1 July 2024, a rental contract for an indefinite term is once again the main rule. Generic temporary rental contracts for self-contained homes have been abolished. You have rent protection from the start, even if a fixed term was agreed. A lease entered into for a fixed term does not end merely by the passing of that term, but continues for an indefinite period unless validly terminated (art. 7:271 Dutch Civil Code).

2. When is temporary letting still possible?

• Designated groups: temporary rental for at most two years is only allowed for categories designated by order in council (Besluit specifieke groepen tijdelijke huurovereenkomst). Which groups those are, you can read on rijksoverheid.nl. These exceptions are interpreted restrictively.
• Diplomat clause: a landlord who later wants to live in the home again can, under conditions, include such a clause (art. 7:274(1)(b) Dutch Civil Code). There must be a genuine intention to return. Even then the lease does not end automatically.
• Lodger rental and short-term use: own rules apply. Read our article on lodger renting.

3. Do you have a contract from before 1 July 2024?

For contracts concluded before 1 July 2024 the old regime continues to apply (art. 208ha Transitional Act NBW). Under the old regime strict rules apply to giving timely notice that a temporary contract is ending. If that was not done properly, it can affect the end of your contract. Have it reviewed if you are not sure.

4. "Temporary" on paper, but not an exception

Does a contract concluded after 1 July 2024 say "temporary" while you do not belong to a designated category? Then the temporary character has no effect and rent protection applies. A clause saying the lease ends "automatically" is then not tenable. You only get certainty by having your contract and situation reviewed.

5. Terminating: what are your rights?

• Indefinite term: as a tenant you can terminate in writing with a notice period equal to the payment period, at least one and at most three months (art. 7:271(3) Dutch Civil Code). A longer period for the tenant is void.
• Fixed term: during the agreed term neither party can terminate early. After the term the contract continues for an indefinite period.
• The landlord: can only terminate on a statutory ground (art. 7:274 Dutch Civil Code). If you do not agree, the lease continues until the court decides otherwise (art. 7:272 Dutch Civil Code).

This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. In doubt? Ask a lawyer, the Juridisch Loket or the Huurcommissie (Dutch Rent Tribunal).