The Final Checkpoint: 'Eindinspectie'
The move-out inspection, or eindinspectie, is a critical process at the termination of a rental agreement. It is a joint inspection where both the tenant and the landlord (or their agent) walk through the property together to assess its condition. The primary purpose is to compare the state of the apartment at the end of the tenancy with its state at the beginning, as documented in the initial check-in report (opnamestaat or inspectierapport). This comparison forms the legal basis for any deductions the landlord may wish to make from the security deposit (borg) for damages. A tenant has the absolute right to be present during this inspection, and it should never be skipped.
The Two-Step Process: Pre-inspection and Final Inspection
Best practice, which is strongly supported by Dutch rental law, involves a two-stage inspection process. 1. The Pre-inspection (Voorinspectie): This should take place a few weeks before your final moving day. During this inspection, the landlord points out any issues they have found that would be considered damage beyond normal wear and tear (e.g., a large hole in a door, a heavily stained wall). The key benefit of the pre-inspection is that it gives the tenant a formal opportunity to fix these issues themselves. This is almost always significantly cheaper than allowing the landlord to hire their own contractors and deduct the inflated costs from the deposit. 2. The Final Inspection (Eindinspectie): This takes place on the very last day of the tenancy, after the tenant has moved out all their belongings and cleaned the property. The parties check the items noted during the pre-inspection and conduct a final review. A final report is signed by both parties, and the keys are officially handed over.
Tenant's Rights and Best Practices
A tenant should be proactive to protect their deposit. Always insist on being present for both inspections. Never just drop off the keys and leave. During the final inspection, take your own detailed photos and videos as evidence of the property's condition. Do not sign the final inspection report if you disagree with the landlord's assessment of damages. Instead, add a note to the report stating your disagreement (onder voorbehoud van rechten, meaning 'under reservation of rights') before signing. A properly conducted move-out inspection, documented with a signed report, provides clarity and is the best way to prevent disputes over the security deposit.
