How to end a rental contract in the Netherlands: notice periods explained

You had a great time in Holland, and now you’re ready to leave your Dutch apartment. Maybe your study program is wrapping up, your job contract changed, or you just can’t take one more icy bike ride to the laundromat. Whatever the reason, it’s time to end your Dutch rental contract, but how do you actually do that?

Don’t worry. Ending a rental contract in the Netherlands isn’t as complicated as it seems, but there are definitely rules to follow. Whether you’re in Amsterdam, Groningen, or anywhere in between, this guide breaks it all down, from notice periods to early termination, tenant rights, and even how to write a perfect huur opzeggen letter to your landlord, so keep on reading!

📅 Notice period for Dutch rental agreements

Let’s start with the basics: the notice period. In most cases, you can’t just pack your stuff and leave tomorrow, unless you want to break the contract and risk some awkward phone calls (and possibly fines).

For tenants, the standard notice period is one full calendar month. That means if you give notice on May 10, your rental contract will officially end on June 30.

For landlords, it’s different. They often need to give you at least 3 to 6 months’ notice, depending on how long you’ve lived there and why they’re ending the contract. So yes, you’ve got more flexibility than your landlord does, score one for renters.

🏠 Difference between fixed-term and indefinite rental contracts

Not all rental contracts are created equal. Understanding the type of agreement you signed can make a big difference when it’s time to move out.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Fixed-term contract (tijdelijk contract): Usually lasts 6 to 24 months. If it’s less than 2 years and doesn’t renew automatically, it ends when the term is up, unless you or the landlord say otherwise. You can end it early, but we’ll get into that in a second.
• Indefinite contract (onbepaalde tijd): No end date. You can leave any time, as long as you respect the one-month notice rule. The landlord? They need a valid reason to kick you out, and they need to follow legal procedures.

If you’re not sure what kind of contract for rental you have, check the paperwork, or just ask your landlord (nicely).

✂️ Ending a fixed-term lease early in the Netherlands

So, what if you’ve still got six months left on your lease, but life has other plans? Maybe you’re heading home early, got a new job in another city, or your upstairs neighbor won’t stop clog dancing at 2 AM.

Ending a rental contract early in the Netherlands is possible, but it depends on what’s in your lease. Some landlords allow it with written notice, even during a fixed-term period, but others don’t. Check if there’s a “break clause” in your contract. If there isn’t, you might need to:

• Negotiate directly with your landlord
• Find a new tenant to take over the lease (called “tenant substitution”)
• Pay a penalty fee (ouch)

💡That said, many landlords will work with you if you give them enough notice and help find a replacement. They’d rather avoid an empty apartment too.

🇳🇱 Dutch tenant rights when ending a lease

Tenants in the Netherlands have pretty solid legal protection. So if you’re thinking, “Can my landlord just say no when I want to leave?” Nope. Not unless your contract specifically says you’re stuck.

Your main tenant rights when ending a Dutch rental contract:

• You can end the contract with one month’s written notice (unless agreed otherwise)
• You’re not required to give a reason
• Your deposit must be returned within a reasonable period (usually 30 days) after moving out
• Your landlord can’t charge extra fees for just ending the contract

If your landlord tries to make things weird or demands an extra month’s rent just because you’re leaving, that’s a red flag. In that case, get some advice via Huurteam Nederland or Juridisch Loket, or reach out to the Renthunter team, we know the ropes.

🧾 What to know before terminating a rental contract

Before you officially send in your termination notice, here are a few things to double-check:

• Did you give enough notice? (At least one full calendar month)
• Are you within the minimum term? (If so, try to negotiate or offer to find a replacement)
• Have you read the fine print? (Some landlords sneak in weird conditions, so it’s worth a careful read)
• Do you need to return the place to its original state? (Yes, that means repainting if you went wild with pastel walls)

💡Pro tip: Take photos of everything when you move out, especially if you want your full deposit back.

💸 Penalty for ending a Dutch rental contract early

In most cases, if you respect the notice period, there’s no penalty. However, if you leave before the agreed minimum stay, your landlord might charge a fee, depending on what’s written in your lease.

That said, Dutch rental law often sides with tenants, especially if your reason for leaving is reasonable (like losing your job, illness, or family circumstances). Penalties have to be fair and clearly agreed in writing.

If you’re unsure whether a fee is legit, ask the landlord to explain it in writing, or get a second opinion via Renthunter.

📍 Canceling your rental contract in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has its own housing chaos, so it’s no surprise people ask, “Is it harder to end a rental contract in the capital?” Not really, but demand is so high that subletting and early exits are more common.

Some Amsterdam landlords are totally fine with you leaving early, especially if you bring them a solid new tenant. Just make sure it’s all official and in writing.

And no, you can’t just hand over your keys to your bestie and move out without telling the landlord. That’s a great way to lose your deposit and the apartment.

🧳 Rules for breaking a lease in the Netherlands as an expat

As an expat, your Dutch rental contract works the same way as it does for locals. There’s no extra “foreigner fee” for leaving early (thank goodness), and your rights are protected under Dutch law.

However, landlords may assume you don’t know the rules, so they might try to get away with things they wouldn’t dare pull with a Dutch tenant. That’s why it helps to:

• Always communicate in writing
• Keep a copy of your lease and all messages
• Know your rights (like that one-month notice!)
• Use a verified agency or platform like Renthunter to avoid shady deals from the start

✍️ How to write a termination letter for your Dutch landlord

Ready to make it official? Here’s how to end your rental contract in writing, because yes, even in the age of WhatsApp, you still need a proper termination notice.

Keep it simple. Your letter should include:

• Your name and address
• The address of the rental property
• The date you’re writing the letter
• The date you plan to move out
• A clear statement that you’re ending the lease
• Your signature

Here’s a basic template:

Subject: Termination of rental agreement

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I am ending my rental agreement for the property located at [Address]. In accordance with the notice period of one month, the rental contract will officially end on [Date].

Please confirm receipt of this letter. I will ensure the apartment is returned in good condition.

Kind regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Phone number or email]

You can send this by email, but it’s always good to request confirmation in writing (or even send it by registered post if you want to be extra safe).

💬 Final thoughts: keep it friendly, but firm

Ending a rental contract in the Netherlands doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. As long as you stick to the notice period, communicate clearly, and leave the place tidy, you’ll be fine.

Just make sure you know the difference between fixed and indefinite contracts, and don’t be afraid to negotiate if life throws you a curveball. And if anything feels off, or you just want someone to help double-check your contract, Renthunter is here to help.

Whether you’re moving cities, heading home, or just trading that tiny studio for something with actual windows, you’ve got options. Just don’t leave it till the last minute. Your future self will thank you.