Tenant Rights at the End of a Temporary Rental Contract in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, where the housing market is extremely tight, the tenant has specific rights when a temporary rental contract expires. According to article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), the contract ends automatically on the agreed end date, without notice. The landlord may not unilaterally extend it without your consent. If you want to stay in your Amsterdam home, request an extension in writing in a timely manner – preferably three months before expiry – via email or registered mail. Otherwise, you risk eviction, which in a city like Amsterdam with long waiting lists for social housing is particularly painful. Important: during the term, you enjoy full rent protection, including the Amsterdam rent cap via the Huurcommissie and the landlord's maintenance obligation. In case of eviction, a minimum notice period of one month applies, unless otherwise agreed in writing. For disputes over eviction in Amsterdam, you can directly approach the Huurcommissie or the Amsterdam district court. Typical examples are temporary contracts for expats in the Zuidas, students in Oud-West, or during renovations in the Pijp. Document all correspondence carefully, especially with private landlords who are common in Amsterdam. If the landlord does not respond, go to court for continuation of the rental contract. Note: for housing corporation properties from Ymere or De Key, stricter rules apply under the Housing Act and the Amsterdam Housing Allocation Ordinance, with extra protection against speculation. Seek free advice from the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam or Woonbelangen. (278 words)