Temporary Rental Agreement for Residential Space in Westland

Temporary Rental Agreement for Residential Space in Westland

In Westland, a temporary rental agreement for residential space is ideal for short-term situations, such as seasonal work in greenhouses or temporary jobs at horticultural companies. This lease runs for a maximum of two years and ends automatically, without notice period. It offers flexibility for landlords and tenants, but strictly follow the rules to avoid it converting into an indefinite lease.

What does a temporary rental agreement entail in Westland?

This agreement differs from a standard lease by its clear end date. It's perfect for expats in greenhouse horticulture, seasonal workers, or students in Westland. The tenant uses the property for the specified period and leaves without hassle. Not applicable arbitrarily: strict legal requirements prevent abuse and protect tenants in areas like Westland.

The law provides this option for a more flexible rental market but monitors for improper use. If it doesn't comply, it automatically becomes an indefinite lease.

Legal rules

The foundation is in the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), Book 7, particularly Article 7:271(2) DCC. Since the Act on the Extension of Temporary Leases of July 1, 2016, the limit is two years for residential space. General lease rules under Articles 7:201 to 7:296 DCC also apply, including the notice obligation (Article 7:271(3) DCC): the landlord must notify in writing at least one month in advance. More info in our article on the landlord's notice obligation. For disputes in Westland: contact the Westland District Court or the Westland Legal Aid Office.

Conditions for a valid temporary lease in Westland

The rental agreement is only legally valid if:

• In writing and explicit: End date and reason (e.g., 'seasonal work in Westland greenhouses') are stated in black and white.
• Maximum two years: Extension only via a new contract, no continuation.
• Concrete reason: Such as temporary work in horticulture or studies.
• Automatic end: No automatic extension.

If anything is missing, the court – such as the Westland District Court – will rule it indefinite (Supreme Court February 23, 2018, ECLI:NL:HR:2018:271). Contact the Westland Legal Aid Office for free advice.

Comparison: temporary vs. indefinite in Westland

Rights and obligations in Westland

Landlord

• Automatic end, but provide written notice.
• Maintain habitable condition (Art. 7:204 DCC).
• No damage claim for non-vacation; then indefinite.

Tenant

• Use until end date.
• Leave empty and clean; otherwise eviction risk.
• Deposit refund upon proper vacation.

Practical examples from Westland

Example 1: Jan from 's-Gravenzande rents for 18 months as a greenhouse worker. Contract specifies end date July 1, 2025, and 'seasonal work'. Landlord sends letter on June 1; Jan leaves smoothly.

Example 2: Marie in Naaldwijk signs for three years 'temporary'. Too long, so indefinite. Landlord must go through Westland District Court for eviction.

Example 3: Pieter in Monster receives no notice and stays. Contract becomes indefinite; landlord to court.

End of lease period and follow-up

On the end date, the lease ends automatically. Hand over clean and empty; register with Municipality of Westland if required. If tenant stays, it becomes indefinite (Art. 7:268 DCC). New temporary lease? Maximum two years again. Get help from the Westland Legal Aid Office.

Frequently asked questions