In Belgium

A pre-inventory visit (visite de pre-etat des lieux) is an informal walkthrough of the rental property, organised 2 to 4 weeks before the official exit property inventory. It allows the landlord and tenant to identify any damage or issues that the tenant can repair before the formal inventory.

The visit is not mandatory under Belgian law, but it is considered best practice and benefits both parties.

How it works

Walkthrough. The landlord and tenant visit the property together, comparing its current state with the entry inventory. The landlord notes any damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Action list. The tenant receives a list of items to repair or clean before the official exit inventory. Common items: repainting walls, fixing holes, deep cleaning, replacing broken fixtures.

Benefit. The tenant avoids financial deductions from the security deposit. The landlord receives the property in better condition, reducing turnaround time for the next tenant.

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Good to know
The pre-inventory visit is not legally binding. The tenant is not obligated to make the identified repairs. However, any unrepaired damage noted during the official exit inventory can be deducted from the deposit.

Practical example

Nadia’s lease ends in 3 months. The landlord schedules a pre-inventory visit. During the visit, they identify: 3 nail holes in the living room wall, a stain on the bedroom carpet, and a missing shelf bracket. Nadia fills the holes, has the carpet cleaned and replaces the bracket — total cost: 120 EUR. At the official exit inventory, no deductions are made from her 1,600 EUR deposit.