Extension of Temporary Rental Contracts in Rijswijk: Rules and Pitfalls

In Rijswijk, a vibrant municipality near The Hague with many young professionals and students due to its proximity to universities and businesses in the region, extending a temporary rental contract is possible but strictly regulated. Article 7:271(2) of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) limits extensions to a maximum of two, with the total duration for room rentals not exceeding two years. For independent housing in districts such as Innen or Oud-Rijswijk, the chain regulation applies: after three temporary contracts or two years, the contract automatically converts to an indefinite-term agreement. In Rijswijk, temporary rentals are often seen among expats in the Rijswijk business hub or student housing near TU Delft. Written consent from both tenant and landlord is crucial; verbal agreements do not count. Pitfalls: some landlords in Rijswijk attempt to circumvent indefinite-term contracts through new agreements, for example, in seasonal rentals in the nearby Plaspoelpolder area. Tenants can successfully challenge this in the subdistrict court in The Hague. Costs: an extension may not result in a rent increase above the index without explicit agreement, and housing corporations such as Vidomes enforce strict affordability standards for rental properties in Rijswijk. Tip: check contracts for hidden clauses on tacit extension, particularly with private landlords in growing neighborhoods like Bentwoud. If in doubt, consult a local lawyer via the Legal Counter in Rijswijk. Practical examples: a student in a room on Generaal Eisenhowerlaan who was wrongfully offered a fourth contract, or a temporary job at a Rijswijk IT company. These steps can strengthen your position in Rijswijk’s tight rental market. (248 words)