Tenant Rights upon Expiry of Temporary Rental Contract in Leiden

In Leiden, with its vibrant student population and tight rental market, the tenant has specific rights upon the expiry of a temporary rental contract. According to Article 7:271 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), the contract ends automatically on the agreed date, without notice of termination. The landlord may not unilaterally extend without your consent. If you wish to remain in a typical Leiden student house or expat accommodation, request a written extension from your landlord in a timely manner, often active around the university campus. Otherwise, you risk eviction. Important: during the term of the contract, full rent protection applies, including the rent price cap and the landlord's maintenance obligations, strictly enforced by the Municipality of Leiden. In case of eviction, you are entitled to at least one month's notice period, unless otherwise agreed. Consult the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) in Leiden for disputes regarding eviction; they handle many cases from neighbourhoods such as Pieter de Hooch or the city centre. Examples: temporary contracts for students at Leiden University or renovation projects in the Marewijk. Document all correspondence, such as emails with private landlords from the region. If the landlord does not respond, proceed to the district court (kantonrechter) in Leiden for continuation of the tenancy. Note: for housing corporation properties from Duyvesteyn or Welgelegen, stricter rules apply under the Housing Act (Woningwet) and local priority procedures. (248 words)