Temporary Contracts and Termination: Specific Rules for Temporary Rental Law in Utrecht

In Utrecht, with its tight rental market and high demand for housing around the university and city center, temporary lease agreements (Article 7:232 CC) deviate in termination procedure from fixed contracts. These contracts expire automatically, but early termination by landlords requires compelling reasons, such as urgent vacancy situations in student housing. Landlords must concretely demonstrate that continuation is unreasonable, taking into account the Utrecht market pressure.

Conditions for termination in Utrecht

Termination remains limited; tenants enjoy strong protection, especially in popular neighborhoods like Kanaleneiland or Lombok. Utrecht courts strictly review whether the temporariness remains justified, with attention to local starter pressure. Upon contract expiry, no termination protection applies, but urgent termination does in case of non-performance, such as non-payment in a time of rising rents.

Practical differences and local nuances

Under the Vacancy Act or starter exemption in Utrecht, termination is smoother for vacant properties near Utrecht Centraal, but advice from the Rent Tribunal is often mandatory via the regional office. Tenants can demand conversion to a fixed contract in case of unlawful temporariness, supported by municipal policy against speculation. In Utrecht practice, we see more checks on abuse by investors in the city center.

Important: temporary contracts in Utrecht may not be used to circumvent rent protection, especially not in fraudulent constructions around student properties. Criminal sanctions and fines from the municipality loom for violations, with recent enforcement by the Utrecht rent teams.