Termination by Email: Tenants in the Netherlands
What to keep
- Document: signed email or delivery receipt (document).
- Contract: copy of the tenancy agreement and attachments (contract).
- Deadlines: record the dates of sending and receipt (deadline).
- Forms: evidence of registered mail or third-party confirmations (form).
- Payment proofs: receipts, bank statements and confirmations (rent/payment).
When is termination by email valid?
A termination by email can be valid if your tenancy agreement or the landlord allows email as an acceptable communication method, or if the circumstances show that the landlord received and accepted the termination. Always check your tenancy agreement and note specific requirements such as signature requirements or registered mail under tenancy law [1]. If receipt is unclear, request a written confirmation of receipt.
Evidence and deadlines
Good evidence strengthens your position in a dispute. Pay attention to the following points:
- Evidence: save email headers, timestamps and any read-receipts (document).
- Deadlines: note the final termination deadline and verify the email was sent within that time (deadline).
- Forms: keep correspondence with third parties or mediators (form).
If there is a dispute
If the landlord disputes the validity of a termination, you can present evidence and correspondence to the Rent Tribunal or the subdistrict court. The Rent Tribunal often handles cases about rent and service charges and has its own application procedures and forms [2]. For other legal disputes the subdistrict court may be competent; for complex issues you can also find information and steps via government guidance on housing and tenants [3].
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a termination by email legally valid?
- Yes, if the tenancy agreement allows email or you can prove the landlord received and accepted the email.
- Which documents should I keep?
- Keep the sent email, email headers, delivery receipts, the tenancy agreement and payment proofs.
- What if the landlord says they did not receive the email?
- Request a confirmation of receipt, resend copies, and consider registered mail or a third-party receipt statement.
- When can I go to the Rent Tribunal?
- For disputes about rent, service charges or evidence related to termination you can file a case with the Rent Tribunal.
How-To
- Collect all documents: emails, headers, tenancy agreement and payment proofs.
- Request a confirmation of receipt immediately and note dates and times.
- Contact the Rent Tribunal for advice or to start a procedure if there is a dispute.
- Prepare evidence for the subdistrict court if the case is not handled by the Rent Tribunal.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Wetten.overheid.nl - Civil Code Book 7 (tenancy law)
- [2] Huurcommissie.nl - Forms and procedures
- [3] Government.nl - Information for tenants
