{"id":6626,"date":"2025-05-15T18:04:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T16:04:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parella-group.nl\/de-huur-opzeggen-wat-zijn-de-consequenties\/"},"modified":"2026-08-05T11:20:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T09:20:52","slug":"ending-your-lease-what-are-the-consequences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parella-group.nl\/en\/ending-your-lease-what-are-the-consequences\/","title":{"rendered":"Ending Your Lease: What Are the Consequences?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You Terminate the Lease<\/h2>\n

When you terminate the lease, the agreement ends on the expiry date. You are then required to vacate and hand back the property on time. Some companies choose to terminate the lease early as a precaution, to avoid missing the deadline.<\/p>\n

Although this may seem strategic, it can work against you. You lose negotiation leverage and the landlord can immediately point you to the exit. Only terminate the lease when you are certain you want to leave.<\/p>\n

It is wise to explore alternative locations well before the termination deadline. There is plenty of office space available, but finding the right space that meets your needs and fits your budget can take time. Rising rental prices increasingly play a role in this process. Rental costs can also increase significantly due to rent indexation, which is based on the Dutch Consumer Price Index<\/a> (CPI)<\/p>\n

The Landlord Terminates the Lease<\/h2>\n

If the landlord terminates the lease, the agreement also ends on the expiry date. However, by law you are entitled to a two-month eviction protection period. This means you are only required to vacate the property two months after the expiry date.<\/p>\n

During this period you can submit a request to the subdistrict court to extend the term by up to one year, and then twice more for another year. Once you submit the request, you automatically remain protected until the judge issues a decision.
\nKeep in mind that eviction protection does not release you from paying rent or from the responsibility to actively search for a new location. This can be a valuable moment to review which office spaces are available and which options best match your future accommodation strategy.<\/p>\n

It is also important to check whether the building complies with sustainability requirements. Since 1st of January 2023, office buildings larger than 100 square metres must have at least energy label C. If the building does not meet this requirement, this may have consequences not only for the landlord but also for you as the tenant. At the end of the lease, this can affect delivery obligations and may lead to additional costs for adjustments.<\/p>\n

Case Law on Rent Indexation<\/h2>\n

In 2023, more clarity emerged regarding the application of rent indexation for commercial space. On 19th of June 2023, the preliminary relief judge of the District Court of The Hague ruled that a high indexation figure does not automatically justify amending the lease on the basis of unforeseen circumstances.
\nThis underscores the importance of carefully analysing the indexation clauses in your contract before terminating the lease. A substantial increase in rent can significantly affect total housing costs and your financial planning.<\/p>\n

Pro Forma Termination: Does It Exist?<\/h2>\n

No, a lease is either officially terminated or not. This must be done according to the formal requirements stated in the lease contract. A so-called pro forma termination, where you indicate that you are considering ending the lease, is not considered an official termination. This means the landlord can simply hold you to the agreement.<\/p>\n

What If You Forget to Terminate the Lease?<\/p>\n

If you fail to terminate the lease on time, the agreement is automatically renewed for a new lease term. This can cause problems if you were already planning to move to another office space.
\nIn some situations, for example where both parties had drafted but not signed a termination document, discussions may arise about the intent behind the renewal.<\/p>\n

Important Tips<\/h2>\n

To avoid unpleasant surprises, keep the following in mind:<\/p>\n