Tenancy agreement

The contract is only the finalisation of a deal. A deal is made when both parties agree upon price and terms. Most of the times this happens verbally, which is binding. After this verbal agreement you get the contract.

What can you expect in the contract:

the rent is payable monthly in advance;
one month deposit is customary;
once a year the rent is adjusted based on increases in the cost of living as determined by the CBS. The average is between 2% and 3%;
usually the rent excludes user's costs, i.e. utilities, and various minor taxes;
the obligation to return the property in the same condition, normal wear and tear excepted, at the end of the rental period;

Period

Both parties, the tenant and the owner will agree for what period the premises can be rented. Standard is a minimum of one year with some extra option years. This means that the tenant can decide if he will extend the period with the agreed term. This is negotiable.

Diplomatic clause

It is also standard that the tenant will get a diplomatic clause and that the owner will not get one. A diplomatic clause means that if, on account of his work, the tenant will be transferred to a place 50 km or more removed from the premises or if he has to leave the premises for reasons beyond his control, the tenant entitled is to terminate this agreement prematurely. This on the condition that he informs the owner by registered letter, whereby one full calendar month notice shall be observed. The diplomatic clause is in general for the first year, after that the tenant can cancel the contract without any reason, again with one full calendar month notice. Also this condition is negotiable.

There is also a diplomatic clause for the owner but in the area of The Hague this is not standard. But be aware that this clause is deleted from the contract if this is not acceptable for you.

General terms and Conditions.

The general terms and conditions will be added at the contract for which you have to sign. Here you can read the general terms and conditions.

Guidelines on minor repairs.

Besides the general terms and conditions there will be guidelines on minor repairs added. Here you can read the guidelines on minor repairs.