Temporary Rental Agreements and Automatic Extension in Rijswijk

In Rijswijk, a growing municipality near The Hague with many new construction projects such as in the Inkel and Bogaard districts, temporary rental agreements last a maximum of two years (Article 7:232 of the Dutch Civil Code) and do not automatically extend unless explicitly agreed in writing. Local landlords, often active on platforms such as Funda or through Rijswijk housing corporations like Vidomes, must adhere to shorter notice periods when terminating agreements but may not terminate mid-term without valid reasons such as non-payment or nuisance. Tenants in Rijswijk often enjoy an implicit right to continuation if the property remains suitable, partly due to the tight rental market in this region. Written form is mandatory to prevent disputes, particularly given the municipality's stricter enforcement of tenancy law via the Rijswijk Tenants' Association. In cases of sham constructions, frequently observed in Rijswijk starter homes, courts may declare the contract permanent. This distinguishes temporary from fixed-term contracts, with specific implications for grounds of termination under local circumstances such as Wmo (Social Support Act) housing or temporary student accommodation near The Hague University of Applied Sciences.