Contract duration and dates

Contracts for rooms or apartments are for one or two semesters, or one year. The Housing Office does not offer permanent accommodation.

Extending your contract

You can  request a contract extension if:

• you are still a student of Leiden University;
• your accommodation is still available;
• you have stayed in your accommodation for a maximum of one semester.

Submit your extension request via the contact form,  clearly stating the following: 

• Your student number
• Your current address
• Your preferred new contract end date

Before signing your new contract, make sure you have paid all rent due till that date.  

Moving to different accommodation

If you want to move to different accommodation via the Housing Office, you can complete a moving form. Note that conditions and fees apply.

Staying longer than one year?

Our housing contracts are for a maximum of one year, therefore it's wise to plan your second-year accommodation as early as possible. We advise you to register with student housing platform ROOM as soon as you can. Note that they have a long waiting list, so consider registering even before you come to Leiden. You should also start making enquiries with other agencies, landlords and fellow students soon after arrival. See the information on finding housing yourself. Be aware that finding suitable housing for your second year can take up to six months, so start house hunting early!

Terminating your contract

As a rule, you cannot terminate your contract earlier than on the agreed date. However, exceptions can be made if you have at least one month remaining on your contract and can find a tenant to take over your contract until its original end date. Note that replacement tenants are not permitted to extend the contract beyond the original end date. The new tenant must meet all the following criteria: 

• is an international student (not a PhD candidate) 
• is not yet renting accommodation via the Housing Office
• is a current student (not a prospective student)
• is the same gender as your roommate(s) (if you are renting a shared room/studio)
• agrees to pay the housing fee before being offered your accommodation

Be aware that if the new tenant backs out before signing, or is not accepted by the lessor, you will remain responsible for the contract and rental payments.

General conditions and rules

• General conditions for temporary rental accommodation
• Building and social rules - student accommodation 

Make sure to complete all the steps below when leaving your accommodation.

1.       Accommodation check-out

You must leave your room before 10.00 on the end date of your contract. All tenants are responsible for cleaning and closing up their room and common room. You may keep your bed linen (not the mattress protector) and kitchen package. If you don't want to, please donate them to charity or a second-hand shop in Leiden or The Hague, or throw them away. You are not permitted to leave any of your own items in the room for the next tenant, e.g. kettles or radios. 

2.       Hand in your keys

Place your keys (attached to their original labels) in a sealed envelope, accompanied by a note stating your name, address and room number. Leave this at the location indicated below before 10:00 on the final date of your contract. Late key deposit will result in a penalty fee which will be deducted from your deposit.

For locations in Leiden: Leave the garbage container card on the desk in your room or apartment, so the new tenant can easily find it when he/she arrives.

3.       Cancel your town hall registration  

If you registered with your local Dutch town hall upon arrival, you must cancel your registration before you leave according to the instructions below:

• Leiden: visit Leiden Town Hall in person or submit a change of address form.
• Oegstgeest: make a town hall appointment to report your move abroad and cancel your registration. 
• The Hague: visit The Hague town hall in person at least 5 days before your departure or send a letter to the Department of Public Service. 
• Voorschoten: Visit Voorschoten town hall at least 5 days before your departure.

Note: if you will move to another address in the Netherlands, you do not need to cancel your town hall registration. Instead, simply register at your new address with your (new) local Dutch town hall.

4.       Request a housing deposit refund

Request a refund by completing the housing deposit refund form. Make sure to upload proof that you have cancelled/updated your Dutch town hall registration. You will receive your refund within 8 weeks of your contract end date. Note that if DUWO determines that additional cleaning or repairs are required during their final inspection (see below), the costs for these services will be deducted from your housing deposit.   

5.       Inform relevant authorities

If you have applied for any governmental benefits and/or subsidies (for instance rent benefit - the so-called ‘huurtoeslag’) you are responsible for informing the authorities of your departure.

Final inspection
After you check out, your accommodation will be inspected by the caretaker. You do not need to be present during this final inspection.

If you have any questions about your room, facilities or building you can contact DUWO.

For information on how to reach DUWO in case of minor malfunctions or urgent issues in your building, go to the DUWO request for repairs page.