Temporary Rental Contracts in Rotterdam: Termination Without Protection

Temporary rental contracts in Rotterdam (maximum 2 years) end automatically without notice. No termination protection; the landlord does not need to demonstrate an urgent reason. Written documentation is crucial: explicitly state 'clearly temporary', otherwise it becomes an indefinite-term contract. Upon expiry of the term, the tenant must vacate without court intervention. Exception in Rotterdam: pregnant tenants or families with children under 2 years – the contract is then converted into a fixed-term rental contract. Procedure: send a reminder at least 1 month before the end date, especially relevant in busy neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven or Kralingen. Example: a 1-year expat contract for a professional at the Port of Rotterdam – departure is mandatory upon expiry. Rent increases are limited during the term, in accordance with national rules. In case of early termination by the tenant, the landlord may file a damage claim. These contracts are ideal for the starters market in Rotterdam, where demand for flexible housing is high due to the port industry and universities, but abuse is prevented through strict oversight by the Huurcommissie. In Rotterdam, the municipality often verifies validity upon reports of fraudulent landlords in hotspots such as Kop van Zuid. (218 words)