Rental law: Penalty for early termination

Questioner

Good afternoon, My landlord wants to fine me €3,500 because I terminated the lease before the expiration date of my lease. However, there's no penalty clause in my lease. A €1,000 security deposit is required. Shouldn't there be a 'penalty clause' in the lease agreement if a landlord wants to invoke it? Thank you very much in advance for your answer. Kind regards, P Bijlsma

Questioner

The landlord cannot create a fine and impose it on you. However, they can require you to pay the rent until the point at which you could have legally terminated the lease.