As a landlord of student housing, you often face the choice: temporary rental or a campus contract? These two options seem similar, but differ quite a bit. In this column, I explain the differences, including an example question to clarify it.

Temporary Rental to Students

This form is based on article 7:271 paragraph 2 BW, in combination with the Decree specific target groups temporary rental agreement. Since July 1, 2024, with the Fixed Rental Contracts Act, temporary rental is limited to specific groups, including students from another municipality or from abroad who are studying temporarily in the Netherlands.

The maximum duration is 2 years, for both independent and non-independent living space. Previously, this was 5 years for rooms, but that has changed. Extension is not possible; upon exceeding, a contract for indefinite time arises. The landlord can end without termination grounds, provided a notice is sent between 1 and 3 months before expiration.

Characteristics: no rent protection after expiration (with proper notice), and the tenant must be a student at the start with the mentioned conditions.

The Campus Contract Explained

A campus contract is not a temporary contract, but a regular rental agreement for indefinite time with a special termination ground (article 7:274d BW). The rent ends when the tenant is no longer a student. This applies to both independent and non-independent spaces.

The tenant must provide proof of student status upon request. After termination, the landlord must rent the property again to a student, young person, or PhD candidate. Termination can take longer due to rent protection.

Example question: Suppose a student stops studying after 3 years. With temporary rental, it ends automatically after 2 years (if noticed), but with a campus contract, you must terminate with the ground 'no longer a student', and the tenant has protection via the court.

Key Differences and Tips

The biggest difference is in the duration and protection: temporary rental is limited to 2 years without protection, while campus contracts are indefinite but terminable upon loss of status, with full rent protection.

Choose carefully based on your situation as a landlord and consult a lawyer for advice.