Application Process

Moving-in checklist

Checklist bij intrek

A moving-in checklist is a comprehensive list of tasks and checks a tenant should perform immediately upon taking possession of a new rental property.

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A rental advertisement in the Netherlands is the first point of contact with a property, requiring a cautious approach to avoid scams and misleading information.

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An AML check is a procedure to prevent illicit funds in real estate, a process that is sometimes improperly applied to tenants, creating an unnecessary burden.

Dutch real estate agents are legally required to perform due diligence on tenants to prevent money laundering, which may include verifying your identity and source of funds.

An application confirmation is a meaningless automated receipt for your submission, offering a false sense of progress before the usual silence.

The application deadline is an often extremely short timeframe designed to create artificial urgency and pressure on prospective tenants.

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Beyond the Keys and Contract

A moving-in checklist is a tenant's personal tool for due diligence, going far beyond the formal inspection report. While the official check-in (oplevering) documents the state of the property for the purpose of the security deposit, a personal checklist is about ensuring the home is safe, functional, and ready for habitation from day one. It is a systematic process that a tenant should undertake in the first 24-48 hours after receiving the keys. The primary purpose is to identify any functional issues or discrepancies that might not have been apparent during the formal inspection and to report them to the landlord or agency immediately. This creates a time-stamped record of issues that existed at the very start of the tenancy, preventing future disputes about when a problem arose.

The checklist should be comprehensive. It starts with the basics: verifying that all keys provided work in their respective locks, including main doors, mailboxes, and storage units. A crucial next step is to locate and photograph the utility meters (gas, electricity, water), documenting the readings as a baseline for your own records. The checklist should then move to a functional audit of the entire apartment: test every single power outlet with a small appliance like a phone charger, check every light fixture, run all kitchen appliances (dishwasher, oven, extractor hood) through a short cycle, and test the heating system and hot water. It's about confirming not just the cosmetic condition, but the operational reality of the home you've just rented.

A Tool for Protection and Peace of Mind

Creating and executing a moving-in checklist is not a sign of mistrust; it is an act of responsible tenancy. Landlords and agents, even with the best intentions, may not be aware of latent defects in a property. A smoke detector with a dead battery, a slow leak under a sink, or a faulty radiator valve are problems you are more likely to discover as the first occupant after a vacancy. Documenting these issues via email, complete with photos, and sending them to the landlord within the first few days is critically important. It demonstrates that the issue was pre-existing and establishes the landlord's responsibility to rectify it in a timely manner. Without this initial communication, a landlord could later argue that the damage occurred during your tenancy due to your misuse or negligence.

The checklist is also a tool for your own safety and security. Does the smoke detector work? Are the windows and doors secure? Is there an emergency shut-off for the gas line and do you know where it is? These are not just contractual matters; they are fundamental to your well-being. A thorough checklist provides a structured way to ensure your new home is not just contractually sound, but also safe. It might seem like a tedious task amidst the chaos of unpacking, but the hour or two it takes to complete can save you from significant stress, financial liability, and potential safety hazards down the line.