Taking over a rental property
Taking over a property involves certain responsibilities, including ensuring that you are not held responsible for any prior defects.
Handover requirements (compulsory)
Inspection report: The entrance inspection report is part of the contract and documents the condition of the property at hand over. The inspection and the property inspection report will be provided by the landlord or the real estate agent acting on their behalf.
Before the handover, the following documents are necessary:
- signed lease contract
- first rental payment
- security deposit (set up by your or the agent's bank) or proof of a rental guarantee
- third party liability insurance
After the handover: If there are defects that were overlooked or omitted on the day of hand over, you have up to ten days to send the amended inspection report in writing, including photographs when possible, to the agent.
Preparing to take over a property (essential)
What to bring:
- Provisional name stickers for the letterbox and doorbell
- A camera
- Documentation including contract, proof of rent payment, security deposit and household insurance
During the final property inspection:
- Check that defects are clearly listed on the inspection report
- Take pictures of damages, marks and scratches
- Identify all keys and check that they fit
- Check basement storage
- View reserved parking place
- Open and close blinds
- Switch on electrical appliances
- Check light fixtures
- Check dishwasher filters
- Look for bathroom ventilation
- Check the fridge and freezer
- Look for holes and other damage on floors, doors and door frames, window frames and wall tiles
- Check the condition of garden, balconies and terraces, and other outdoor areas that are your responsibility
- Check the general condition of the property for cleanliness etc.
Importance of the property inspection report
Rental properties will not always be repainted or renovated between tenants. You may be accepting a property with a certain amount of wear and tear. You will only be liable for damages caused by you and not general wear and tear.
