Move-in Inspection

Documenting the Starting Point to Protect Your Deposit

The move-in inspection, known in Dutch as the initiële oplevering, is arguably the most important event for protecting a tenant's security deposit. It is a joint inspection where the landlord and the incoming tenant walk through the entire property together, meticulously documenting its condition before the tenant moves in. The findings are recorded in a detailed opleveringsrapport (inspection report), which often includes photographs. This report is then signed by both parties.

The Tenant's Most Important Document

The signed move-in inspection report serves as the official, legally recognized baseline for the property's condition. At the end of the tenancy, the tenant is only obligated to return the property in the same state as described in this report, with an allowance for normal wear and tear (normale slijtage). Without this initial report, disputes over the deposit become much more difficult for the tenant to win.

The Process and What to Look For

During the inspection, a tenant should be proactive and thorough. Do not let the landlord rush the process. Check everything and ensure it is noted in the report:

• Scratches on floors or countertops.
• Stains on carpets or walls.
• Cracks in tiles.
• The condition and cleanliness of all appliances.
• Whether all lights and taps are working correctly.

At the same time, the official meter readings (meterstanden) for gas, water, and electricity are recorded and signed off on. A diligent tenant will also take their own set of date-stamped photos or a video during the walk-through as an extra layer of proof. A landlord's refusal to conduct a proper, detailed move-in inspection is a major red flag.