Step-by-Step Guide for Termination of Rental Agreement by Tenant in Amsterdam
As a tenant in Amsterdam, do you want to terminate the rental agreement? Follow this tailored step-by-step guide for the Amsterdam rental market to act legally correctly and avoid issues such as additional charges or disputes with landlords. First, check the duration of your contract: for temporary rentals, a notice period of one month often applies; for indefinite term, three months, as is customary in the city with its strict rental rules.
Step 1: Send a registered letter via PostNL or use a registered email with your termination declaration. Clearly state the desired end date, reason (e.g., moving to another Amsterdam neighborhood), and your contact details. In Amsterdam, we recommend informing the Woonbedrijf or your landlord about local rules. Step 2: Leave the property thoroughly clean, in accordance with the requirements of many Amsterdam housing associations, and document the condition with photos and a video as evidence. Step 3: Request the landlord for a joint inspection, often mandatory for housing association properties in neighborhoods such as the Jordaan or Oost, and return the keys at the designated point. Step 4: Arrange the final settlement of service charges, deposit, and any parking or VvE contributions, typical for Amsterdam apartments.
In case of disputes in Amsterdam, you can obtain free advice from the Huurteam Amsterdam or the Huurcommissie, and escalate to the subdistrict court in the Paleis van Justitie on the Prinsengracht. Note: in urgent cases such as serious defects or nuisance in the vibrant city, you may leave earlier, provided you prove this with municipal reports. According to Article 7:231 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), the notice of termination must reach the landlord. Use our sample letter for a smooth termination in the capital. This way, you avoid fines or procedures via the Municipality of Amsterdam. In case of doubt, contact a local tenancy law attorney via the Juridisch Loket in Amsterdam.