Moving out as a tenant: complete checklist
Complete checklist for moving out of a rental in Belgium: notice, inventory, deposit.
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The notice period
Notice rules by lease type
| Lease type | Tenant notice | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 3-6-9 lease (year 1) | 3 months | 3 months’ rent |
| 3-6-9 lease (year 2) | 3 months | 2 months’ rent |
| 3-6-9 lease (year 3) | 3 months | 1 month’s rent |
| 3-6-9 lease (after 3 years) | 3 months | None |
| Short-term lease | Per lease terms | Per lease terms |
| Student lease | Per Region | Per Region |
Sending the notice
The notice must be sent by registered letter. It takes effect on the first day of the month following receipt. For letter templates, see our registered letter templates.
Preparing to leave
D-3 months (sending the notice)
- Send the registered notice letter
- Start looking for new accommodation
- Check the lease conditions (compensation, inventory)
D-1 month
| Action | Detail |
|---|---|
| Notify suppliers | Energy, internet, water |
| Notify the municipality | Address change to plan |
| Notify the post office | Mail forwarding |
| Clean the property | Deep clean |
| Minor repairs | Fill holes, repaint if necessary |
D-1 week
- Start moving out
- Read the energy meters
- Check the property’s condition against the move-in inventory
- Gather maintenance certificates (boiler)
Move-out inventory
Preparation
- Reread the move-in inventory carefully
- Repair damage attributable to the tenant
- Deep clean the property
- Prepare certificates (boiler, descaling)
On the day
- Walk through each room with the landlord
- Compare point by point with the move-in inventory
- Photograph each room
- Only sign if you agree with the findings
- Read the energy meters
Points to check
| Element | Check |
|---|---|
| Walls and ceilings | Wear vs damage |
| Floors | Scratches, stains (depreciation) |
| Sanitary fittings | Seals, taps |
| Windows | Operation, seals |
| Appliances (if furnished) | Working condition |
For depreciation, see our guide on painting at the end of the lease.
Final steps
Releasing the rental deposit
- Sign the release agreement with the landlord
- The bank releases the rental deposit per the agreement
- In case of disagreement, refer to the justice of the peace
Final checklist
- Hand over all keys (door, letterbox, garage, cellar)
- Confirm the final meter readings
- Obtain a receipt for the key handover
- Keep a copy of the move-out inventory
- Check the release of the rental deposit
Documents to keep
- Lease and addenda
- Move-in and move-out inventories
- Rent receipts
- Proof of notice (acknowledgement of receipt)
- Deposit release agreement
For your next property, see our guide on moving-in steps and our lease generator.