How long is the notice period for my rental in Netherlands?

The short answer

The minimum notice period for tenants in the Netherlands is one month, calculated from the first day of the month. For example, if you give notice on 15 March, your rental contract only ends on 30 April. Your rental contract may contain a longer notice period, but never shorter than one month. For social housing (sociale huurwoningen), a longer period of three months often applies. Landlords always have longer notice periods than tenants under Dutch law.

What does Dutch law say?

Notice periods for rental properties are regulated in Article 7:271 BW (Dutch Civil Code). This law protects tenants by prescribing a maximum notice period of three months. Stricter rules with longer periods apply to landlords. Dutch law distinguishes between different types of rental contracts and their corresponding notice periods.

What should you watch out for?

Always check your rental contract for the exact notice period, as this may differ from the statutory minimum under Dutch law. Remember that notice must be given in writing and ensure you have proof of delivery. The period always starts on the first day of a month, regardless of when you give notice. Social housing often has longer periods in the Netherlands.

Example from practice

Sarah wants to terminate her rental property lease and sends a notice letter to her landlord on 20 February. Her rental contract states a notice period of two months. Since the period starts on the first day of the month under Dutch law, the notice period begins on 1 March. Sarah can therefore only move out on 30 April, despite giving notice in February. She must still pay rent for March and April.

What can you do?

Follow these steps to give notice correctly and avoid unnecessary costs as a tenant in the Netherlands.