Are you considering a temporary rental of your home or apartment? Due to recent changes in Dutch housing law, renting out your property temporarily has become more complex. Also in cities like Amsterdam, temporary lease agreements are no longer the standard. Still, under specific legal conditions, temporary rental contracts remain possible. In this blog, we explain what temporary rental means, what has changed since July 1, 2024, and when you are still legally allowed to use a temporary lease.
What Is a Temporary Rental?
A temporary rental means that the landlord and tenant agree in advance on a fixed rental period. Unlike indefinite leases, a temporary lease gives the tenant less rental protection. Once the agreed period ends, the landlord can terminate the rental—provided legal conditions and notice requirements are met.
Legal Changes Impacting Temporary Rental (Since July 2024)
The Fixed Rental Contracts Act came into effect on July 1, 2024, making open-ended rental contracts the legal standard in the Netherlands. As a result, new temporary lease contracts (also known as contract type B) are only permitted in specific, legally defined cases.
When Is a Temporary Rental Contract Still Allowed?
Temporary lease agreements may only be used for specific tenant categories, including:
- International or non-resident students staying temporarily for study;
- Tenants displaced due to home renovations;
- Individuals transitioning from social care or in emergency housing need;
- Young people (aged 16–27) taking over a deceased parent’s rental;
- Recently separated parents temporarily renting to live near their children;
- Workers temporarily stationed on the Wadden Islands;
- Refugees (status holders) leaving a COA shelter.
In practice, temporary lease to students remains the most viable and commonly accepted use case. This is the only group within which there is a large supply of tenants, which means that we can be selective in finding a suitable tenant for a property
The other option for temporary lease of your apartment or house is via an intermediate rental contract. This agreement, also known as the diplomatic clause, ensures that you can temporarily rent out your property if you go abroad for a while. Both options; temporary lease to students and rental for temporary stay abroad (for work, living or vacation) are discussed below.
Temporary Rental – What’s still allowed?
Renting Out Your Property Temporarily to Students
Students, especially internationals, are still eligible for temporary lease agreements. The key is being able to prove that the student is staying only temporarily in Amsterdam (or its surroundings) for educational purposes. Solid documentation is crucial to justify the use of a temporary rental contract and ensure compliance with current rental laws.
Temporary Rental via a Diplomatic Clause
Planning to live abroad temporarily? You might qualify for a temporary rental via a diplomatic clause contract (type C lease). This type of intermediate rental agreement is ideal if you’re leaving for work, travel, or study, but intend to return and live in your property after the lease ends.
Note: misuse of diplomatic clause contracts is strictly monitored, and legal action has already been taken against landlords who fail to comply. Proper documentation and legal advice are essential.
Need Help with Rental of your property?
If you’re exploring temporary rental options for your house or apartment, it’s important to ensure your plan fits within the current legal framework. We’re here to help you:
- Identify whether temporary lease is allowed in your case;
- Choose between a Type B or Type C contract;
- Draft a legally valid rental agreement.
Contact us for expert advice on renting out your property temporarily.
Or read more in our blog: “What is the best rental contract for my property?”