In Utrecht, with its vibrant student population and expat community, many temporary rental contracts expire without tenants knowing exactly what their rights are. According to Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), such a contract ends automatically on the end date, without notice by the landlord. The landlord cannot unilaterally extend it; if you want to stay in your Utrecht home, request an extension in writing in a timely manner – ideally two months before expiry – from your landlord. If you do not, you risk eviction via the Utrecht cantonal court. Important to know: during the term, you enjoy full rent protection, such as the rent cap via the Rent Tribunal and the landlord's maintenance obligation, especially relevant in older Utrecht properties in neighborhoods like Lombok or Wittevrouwen.
In case of eviction, a minimum notice period of one month applies, unless otherwise agreed in writing. In Utrecht, for disputes over eviction, you can go to the Utrecht Rent Tribunal or the District Court of Midden-Nederland. Typical examples here are temporary contracts for students at the UU or HU, expats in Kanaleneiland, or during renovations in Overvecht. Document all correspondence, such as emails or letters, and keep proof of timely requests. Does the landlord not respond within a reasonable period? Then go to the Utrecht cantonal court for an order to continue the rental contract. Note stricter rules for social housing from Utrecht housing associations such as Portaal or Bo-Ex, in accordance with the Housing Act and the local housing allocation ordinance. This way, you avoid unexpected moves in this tight rental market. (278 words)