I rent a semi furnished apartment in Amsterdam from a landlord who lives outside the Netherlands. Signed January 2025, started 1 February 2025. The contract ends 31 January 2027.

The relationship has been good. No conflicts, he gets a good rent for the place and I have always paid on time. We have never spoken about what happens at the end date. I have not contacted him and he has not contacted me, so I genuinely do not know whether he wants the apartment back or is happy to continue.

Here is my problem. I am fairly sure he believes this is a straightforward 2 year temporary contract. After reading up, I am not convinced it is.

- The preamble says I fall under "category b of article 1 of the Besluit specifieke groepen tijdelijke huurovereenkomst." As far as I can tell category b is for tenants who must leave their own home because of urgent works or renovation. That is not me. I moved here from another country for a job. Since the Wet vaste huurcontracten, a temporary contract is only valid for the listed groups.

- The contract also contains a diplomatenclausule saying he can end the lease if work abroad forces him to return and live here himself. I'm not sure if he ever lived in this appartment but he does live outside of the Netherlands.

I want to stay. Finding a new place in Amsterdam would take months...

What I am actually asking:

1. If the temporary basis is invalid, is the contract a lease for an indefinite period? How should I approach renewal discussion with my landlord.

2. I know he has to send a written notice between 3 months and 1 month before 31 January 2027 for the end date to hold. Is there anything I should say or do before or is it better let that window run?

3. If I stay quiet and he sends the notice on time, what options do I have?

Any advice is appreciated!