Check-out Instructions

Your rental contract has been terminated, either by yourself or by the landlord, and now you need to prepare the property for handover to the owner. After all, you want your deposit back. The rental property is expected to be returned in the same condition as at the start of the contract. We would like to inform you of what is expected, both for the preliminary inspection and the final inspection. Appointments will be scheduled with you for both occasions.

Please note: This checklist is intended solely as a tool to help facilitate a smooth check-out process. The final process may vary based on specific agreements in your rental contract and the landlord's requirements.

Pre-inspection

Approximately 3-4 weeks before the end date, a preliminary inspection will take place at an agreed date and time, during which your presence is required. During this inspection, you will be informed of any repairs or maintenance needed to leave the property in good condition. It may also be necessary to undo any modifications you made or took over. All agreements will be documented.

Unobserved defects during the pre-inspection
The pre-inspection occurs while you still live in the property with your belongings in place. This may prevent the inspector from noticing all defects. It is important that you report any changes or damage during this inspection, as well as any questions about maintenance. This can help you avoid surprises or additional work during the final inspection.

Final inspection

During the final inspection, the property must be fully vacated and cleaned, even if this does not exactly coincide with the end of your rental contract. Only modifications taken over by the next tenant (as specified in the takeover agreement) do not need to be undone. At the final inspection, you will return the keys and sign the inspection report together with the inspector.

Review based on the pre-inspection report
During the final inspection, it will be checked whether all tasks listed in the pre-inspection report have been completed. Any tasks that are incomplete or not performed will be noted in the final inspection report, and the costs of these uncompleted tasks will be charged to you.

New defects or changes

If the final inspection reveals any new defects or changes that should have been addressed, they will be included in the final inspection report. In some cases, you may be given a short period to address these issues; however, if the property has already been re-rented, this may no longer be possible. Without permission from the landlord or new tenant, any necessary repair costs will be charged to you.

Be prepared

Once your lease is terminated, you can begin organizing the following tasks, as they may require a bit more time:

1) If you have gas, water, or electricity contracts in your name, inform the relevant utility companies. The final meter readings will be recorded during the final inspection.

2) Cancel or transfer your existing TV, internet, and phone contracts with your provider.

3) Notify the municipality of your departure and ensure you deregister from this address.

4) Arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new address.

In general, the property must be fully vacated, cleaned, and returned in the same condition as at the start of your tenancy, except for normal wear and tear. This also applies to areas such as storage spaces, sheds, or garages.

CHECKLIST

Below you will find the checklist listing the most common tasks that must be completed before the final inspection. This allows you to prepare in advance. The list is not exhaustive but provides a guideline for inspecting the property. By the time of the final inspection, the property must meet the following requirements:

Unless taken over by the next tenant, all modifications made by tenants must be removed. Any holes should be filled neatly and professionally.
Nails, screws etc., must be removed from walls, floors, and ceilings. Holes should be filled professionally and neatly. Paint the walls, if needed.
Nameplates, stickers, and decals must be removed, and any resulting damage should be repaired.
The entire property, including storage spaces, shed, and/or garage, must be clean and empty.
All keys must be handed in during the final inspection and should never be given directly to the new tenant.
All switches and outlets must be undamaged, unpainted, and restored to their original color. Any self-installed electrical provisions (such as cables across the floor or baseboards) must be removed.
All ceilings and walls should be left in their original condition and color.
If the property has a garden, the original square meters of paving for paths and terraces must be in place during the final inspection, with no holes and laid neatly. The garden itself must also look neat, with no holes left from removed shrubs or plants.
All cupboards, kitchen, sanitary facilities, and tile work must be cleaned and undamaged.
All locks and fittings associated with the property must be in proper working order.
If the property is equipped with an individual central heating system, it must be in working order and refilled (water pressure between 1 and 2 bar).
Damaged doors, walls, sanitary facilities, and faucets must be repaired or replaced.
Tiles with drilled holes or other damage must be replaced with matching tiles.

Since 'clean' can be subjective, we provide the following guidelines for cleaning:

Empty bins/containers, remove packaging, old newspapers, empty bottles, and any other possible waste.
Remove all food products from the refrigerator/freezer, kitchen, or any other location.
Dust and vacuum floors/mop hard floors; check under cabinets, etc.
Wipe down tiles/doors/cabinet doors and clean windows inside and out, including frames and windowsills.
Bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet must be clean, and all hair removed from drains. Taps, showerheads, and vents should also be cleaned.
The entire kitchen (cabinets, drawers) should be cleaned inside and out. Clean and defrost the refrigerator/freezer. Degrease and clean the stove, hood, filters, oven, and microwave, both inside and outside. No odors should remain at the final inspection.
Wash curtains and other window coverings according to the care instructions on the label.
Replace any bulbs and batteries if necessary, ensuring they are of the correct type and strength.
In the case of a garden, mow the lawn, remove weeds between tiles, and trim shrubs and plants.
In general, the property should be thoroughly cleaned.
If pets were kept in the rental property, you must have it professionally cleaned. All pet odors should be eliminated by the time of the final inspection.

For furnished rentals, take into accoun the following:

Glassware, dishes, cutlery, cookware, kitchen utensils, and small appliances must be thoroughly cleaned.
Used duvets/pillows should be washed carefully according to the care instructions.
Used bedding/towels should be washed, dried, ironed, and placed back in the closet.
Filters of the washing machine/dryer should be dust-free, the detergent drawer of the washing machine should be clean, and the water reservoir of the dryer emptied.
Add descaler to the dishwasher during a wash cycle, and refill salt and rinse aid as needed.
Dust furniture, and if necessary, wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Deposit refund

After the final inspection and approval of the property handover, your deposit can be refunded. This usually occurs within an agreed-upon period, as specified in your rental contract. Please note that any costs for incomplete repairs or identified damage may be deducted from the deposit.

If no issues are found and the property is returned in good condition, you will receive the full deposit back. Should you have any questions about the refund, feel free to contact the landlord or property manager.

We hope you enjoyed your stay!