Letting retail premises: from prime locations to secondary shopping streets

Retail premises: a separate legal category

Retail premises and other premises for retail and service businesses fall under Article 7:290 of the Dutch Civil Code, with statutory tenant protection relating to lease terms, renewal and grounds for termination. This is an important distinction from office and other business premises, where there is much greater contractual freedom.

Rent differences by location

• Prime location in a large city: highly location-dependent, indicative rent of €150–€400+ per m² of lettable floor area per year.
• Secondary location or smaller city: indicative rent of €80–€150 per m² of lettable floor area per year.
• Secondary shopping street: indicative rent of €40–€90 per m² of lettable floor area per year, with a risk of longer void periods.

Turnover rent as an alternative

With turnover rent, the tenant pays a percentage of turnover, often combined with a minimum rent. This reduces the tenant's risk during uncertain periods and can allow the landlord to share in the success of a thriving shop.

What landlords can do when premises are vacant

1. Consider temporary letting under the Dutch Vacant Property Act (Leegstandwet) if a long-term tenant has not yet been found.
2. Offer shorter lease terms or pop-up concepts to keep the property visible.
3. Review the asking rent based on recent lettings in the same street.

Contract and security

Use the ROZ model lease for retail premises and clearly document indexation, the allocation of maintenance responsibilities and any turnover rent arrangements. Request a deposit or bank guarantee, typically equivalent to three to six months' rent, as security.