Signed a one year lease for an apartment. Two months later the landlord's son took over the business and asked me to sign some copies for his bank. After one year the lease was up. Notice was given appropriately. Landlord then says- hang on, you signed copies for three year rental - you have to pay two more years (17,100 Euros!). The leases are in Dutch and I had not initialled or been aware that he had changed the copies to three years. He is finding it hard to re-rent because it is a high rent and not in good order - but for me for one year was OK. I had a 10mth work contract - why would I willingly sign for 3yrs?? I have the original agreement still which I had looked over with a friend. I do not speak Dutch. The landlord said that he wanted a few extra copies for his bank. Was he deliberately fraudulent?

Was he deliberately fraudulent?Hello Green:

He probably was... But, so what?

I can't tell if you've moved out or you've changed your mind due to this situation. When I said so what, that's what I meant. Don't let him dictate your actions. You followed the lease and can prove it. So, move and let him sue you for what he says you owe. If you have a deposit that he refuses to return, you may have to instigate the suit.

I'm not familiar with EU law, and the advice above is based upon general landlord/tenant law. Plus, I don't know if you have the equivalent of a small claims court, but if so, that's where I would go.

excon