Tenancy Agreement Template for Netherlands

A Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that sets out the terms for renting a property in the Netherlands. It covers essential details like the monthly rent amount, payment dates, and the duration of the rental period under Dutch housing law.

Beyond the basics, these agreements spell out both parties' rights and obligations - from maintenance responsibilities to house rules. Under Dutch regulations, they must include specific protections for tenants, such as rent increase limitations and notice periods. Most agreements follow standard formats approved by Dutch housing authorities, though landlords and tenants can add custom terms as long as they comply with local rental laws.

Use a Tenancy Agreement before handing over the keys to any rental property in the Netherlands. This protects both landlords and tenants by clearly documenting the rental terms before anyone moves in. For temporary rentals longer than 30 days, Dutch law requires a written agreement.

The agreement becomes especially important when renting to international tenants, dealing with furnished properties, or including specific conditions like pet policies or maintenance arrangements. Having clear terms in place helps prevent disputes and ensures compliance with Dutch housing regulations, particularly in cities with strict rental rules like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

• Basic Rental Agreement: Standard residential lease with essential terms for unfurnished homes
• Lease Agreement For Renting A Room: Specialized agreement for single-room rentals with shared facilities
• Month To Month Lease Contract: Flexible arrangement with rolling monthly terms
• Commercial Property Rental Agreement: Business-focused lease with specific terms for commercial spaces
• Tenant Contract: Comprehensive residential agreement with detailed tenant obligations and rights

• Property Owners/Landlords: Create and offer Tenancy Agreements, set rental terms, and maintain properties according to Dutch housing laws
• Tenants: Review, negotiate, and sign agreements before occupying the property, committing to rent payments and proper use
• Real Estate Agents: Often facilitate the process, draft agreements, and ensure compliance with local rental regulations
• Housing Associations: Manage social housing contracts and enforce tenant protection rules
• Legal Advisors: Review complex agreements, especially for commercial properties or international tenants
• Municipal Housing Authorities: Oversee rental permit requirements and enforce local housing policies

• Property Details: Gather exact address, property type, room counts, and included facilities or furnishings
• Rental Terms: Determine monthly rent, security deposit amount, and payment schedule following Dutch regulations
• Tenant Information: Collect identification, contact details, and proof of income from all adult occupants
• Lease Duration: Specify start date, term length, and notice period requirements
• House Rules: Document policies on pets, smoking, maintenance responsibilities, and utility arrangements
• Local Requirements: Check municipal rental permits and zoning restrictions for your area
• Documentation: Take photos and note existing property condition for the inventory report

• Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and contact information for both landlord and tenant
• Property Description: Complete address and detailed description of the rental space, including any shared areas
• Financial Terms: Monthly rent amount, deposit, payment method, and due dates
• Duration Clause: Start date, end date, and renewal options under Dutch tenancy law
• Maintenance Terms: Clear division of repair and maintenance responsibilities
• Notice Periods: Required notification timeframes for termination or changes
• Utility Arrangements: Responsibility for utilities, service charges, and municipal taxes
• House Rules: Specific conditions about property use, pets, smoking, and modifications

A Tenancy Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in both purpose and scope, though they're sometimes confused when property management is involved. While both are legally binding contracts under Dutch law, they serve distinct functions in property relations.

• Primary Purpose: Tenancy Agreements establish direct rights and obligations between landlords and tenants for property use, while Agency Agreements govern the relationship between property owners and their managing agents
• Duration Focus: Tenancy Agreements typically cover fixed rental periods with specific start and end dates, whereas Agency Agreements often run continuously until terminated
• Legal Protection: Tenancy Agreements fall under Dutch housing law with strict tenant protections, while Agency Agreements follow commercial contract law with more flexibility
• Payment Structure: Tenancy Agreements deal with rent payments, while Agency Agreements focus on management fees and commission structures