Rental agreement types in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has one of the most regulated rental markets in the world. A landlord cannot simply put whatever they want into a rental agreement: Dutch law always comes first.

The good news is that most rental agreements fall into a few recognisable types. Once you know which type you have, it becomes much easier to understand how long it runs, how it can be ended, and which rights and responsibilities both the tenant and the landlord have.

This article gives you a quick overview of the most common rental agreement types in the Netherlands.

Naming

Model A, B, C, and D are commonly used names for four rental agreement templates:

  • Model A: indefinite rental agreement;
  • Model B: fixed-term rental agreement;
  • Model C: fixed-term rental agreement with a diplomatic clause;
  • Model D: temporary rental agreement under the Vacancy Act.

Indefinite

Under legislation that took effect on 1 July 2024, indefinite rental agreements are the legal standard for new tenants. The other models may only be used in rare exceptions.

According to Uprent data, more than 90% of rental agreements in the Netherlands are now indefinite.

Duration

Model A is entered into for an unlimited period. There is no scheduled end date: in theory, the tenant could live in the home even for 60 years, although most tenancies naturally end sooner.

A Model A agreement may include an initial minimum rental period, usually 12 months. Under such a clause, the tenant agrees not to terminate the agreement before this period ends. Model A does not expire after that: the agreement continues indefinitely. Read more in our article about Model A.

Termination

During this time, the landlord cannot simply ask the tenant to leave. As long as the tenant meets their obligations, they may remain in the home.

If the agreement has no minimum rental period, or once that period has ended, the tenant can end the agreement with one full month's notice.

Temporary

Model B has a clear start and end date. It can run for a few months or for up to two years, depending on what the tenant and landlord agree.

Termination

The tenant can terminate at any time with one full month's notice. The landlord cannot terminate the agreement before the agreed end date.

To make the agreement end on the agreed date, the landlord must notify the tenant in writing between one and three months beforehand.

If the landlord does not send this notice on time, the agreement will generally become indefinite. The same happens if the tenant and landlord agree to continue the tenancy after the original end date: it becomes an indefinite Model A agreement.

Before 1 July 2024, landlords could offer Model B to any tenant. The maximum duration was two years for a self-contained home and five years for a room. Agreements signed before that date remain subject to the old rules.

For Model B agreements signed since 1 July 2024, the two-year maximum also applies to rooms. Model B may also only be offered when the tenant belongs to one of these groups:

  • students temporarily living in another municipality for their studies, or students coming from abroad to study in the Netherlands;
  • tenants who need another home temporarily because of urgent work or renovation;
  • people leaving social care or shelter, or facing a demonstrably urgent housing need;
  • tenants receiving a second-chance agreement after a previous tenancy ended;
  • certain surviving family members who cannot continue the agreement of a deceased tenant;
  • people who are divorced or separating and temporarily need housing near their minor children;
  • people temporarily working on one of the Dutch Wadden Islands;
  • recognised refugees leaving a COA reception centre while waiting for permanent housing from the municipality.

Temporary with Diplomatic clause

Model C is used when a landlord or previous tenant leaves the home temporarily — for example, to work or study abroad — and plans to return later. The agreement must clearly state who will return and that the temporary tenant must leave when they do.

Duration

A Model C agreement can be signed for any fixed period, with no two-year maximum. It commonly includes an initial fixed period of 12 months during which neither party can terminate. The agreement's end date can be later.

Extension

If the person who is meant to return needs to stay away for longer, Model C can be extended. The tenant and landlord must then sign a new agreement with a clear new end date.

Termination

During the initial fixed period, neither the tenant nor the landlord can terminate the agreement early.

After the initial fixed period, the tenant can terminate the agreement at any time with one full month's notice, even if the agreed end date has not yet arrived. The landlord still cannot terminate the agreement before that end date.

If the agreement is extended beyond its original end date, the landlord can terminate it by giving three months' notice, plus one additional month for every full year the tenant has lived in the home, up to a maximum of six months.

The landlord's right to end the extended agreement in order to return to their home is what is called the diplomatic clause.

Vacancy Act

Model D is used when a home is temporarily vacant because it is for sale, awaiting major renovation or demolition, or located in a building with a temporary purpose. The landlord must first obtain a permit from the municipality under the Vacancy Act.

Duration

A Model D agreement does not have a predetermined end date. It is entered into for an indefinite period, but guarantees the tenant a minimum term of six months.

After those six months, the agreement continues until the tenant or landlord terminates it, or until the municipal permit expires.

This uncertainty is the main downside of Model D: the tenant never knows whether they will be asked to leave after six months or will be able to stay for five years. This makes long-term planning difficult.

Because tenants accept this uncertainty and have less protection, Model D homes are often rented at prices far below comparable homes on the regular rental market.

Termination

After the first six months, the tenant can terminate the agreement with one full month's notice. The landlord can terminate it with at least three months' notice. The landlord can therefore make the agreement end immediately after the first six months only if the tenant was notified at least three months earlier.