Handing over a rental home without problems comes down to two things: knowing what the landlord expects, and having it done well before the final inspection. Starting on the last day risks extra costs or a second appointment.
Know what is expected of you
Check your rental contract and, if you have one, the inspection report from the start of the tenancy. It describes how the home must be returned: often empty and broom-clean (bezemschoon), sometimes with extra requirements such as removing floor coverings or filling holes.
Ask for a pre-inspection
Many landlords and housing corporations offer a pre-inspection a few weeks before the actual handover. You then hear exactly what still needs doing, which prevents surprises.
Checklist for the final inspection
- All belongings and rubbish are out of the home, including storage, attic and garden.
- Things you added yourself are removed, unless the landlord wants to keep them.
- Holes from plugs and nails are neatly filled, if that is required.
- Kitchen, bathroom, windows and floors are clean.
- All keys, including storage and letterbox, are ready.
- You have taken photos of every room on handover day.
Plan backwards from the handover date
Put the final inspection in your diary and count back: clear first, then small repairs, and cleaning last. Leave at least a few days between clearance and inspection for unexpected jobs.
How PANAN helps
PANAN clears the home, carries out small repairs and cleans it, in one schedule right up to the final inspection. We work in Maastricht, across South Limburg and in the Belgian border region.