Rental Handover

Stress-Free Rental Handover

Leaving your Dutch rental and worried about getting your deposit back? We handle the complete handover process - from clearing your belongings to ensuring the property meets inspection standards.

Dutch rental contracts typically require properties to be returned in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy. That means empty, clean, and free from damage. For expats who have already left the country, meeting these requirements can be challenging.

The Deposit Protection Challenge

Dutch landlords and housing corporations are known for strict inspections. Common reasons for deposit deductions include:

• Items left behind (even small things count)
• Insufficient cleaning (professional cleaning often required)
• Wall damage from picture hooks or shelving
• Stains on floors or carpets
• Garden maintenance issues

Our rental handover service addresses all of these points, maximising your chances of a full deposit return.

Perfect for Expats

Many of our clients are expats who have already relocated. The challenge? You need to be present for the final inspection, but you’re now living in another country.

We solve this by:

• Acting as your representative - We attend the final inspection on your behalf
• Pre-inspection assessment - We identify potential issues before the landlord does
• Proactive repairs - We fix minor problems before they become deduction reasons
• Documentation - Photos and reports proving the property’s condition

What Our Rental Handover Includes

1. Property Assessment

We start with a thorough review of your rental contract and the property’s current condition. We compare against the initial inspection report (if available) to identify any discrepancies.

2. Clearance

All your remaining belongings are removed. This includes:

• Furniture you don’t want to ship
• Personal items left behind
• Kitchen contents and appliances (if they weren’t provided)
• Garden items and outdoor furniture
• Storage unit contents (if applicable)

3. Professional Cleaning

Dutch landlords expect a professional level of cleanliness. Our cleaning covers:

• Kitchen deep clean (including appliances, inside cupboards)
• Bathroom sanitisation
• Window cleaning (inside and outside where accessible)
• Floor cleaning appropriate to surface type
• Wall washing and spot cleaning
• Skirting boards, light fixtures, and vents

4. Minor Repairs

We handle common repair needs:

• Filling holes from wall fixings
• Touch-up painting
• Door handle and hinge adjustments
• Light bulb replacement
• Window seal and draught excluder checks

For more significant repairs, we can arrange specialist contractors.

5. Final Inspection Attendance

We attend the inspection meeting with your landlord or their representative. We:

• Walk through the property with them
• Address any concerns on the spot
• Negotiate on your behalf if issues arise
• Handle key return
• Document everything

6. Documentation Package

You receive a complete documentation package including:

• Before and after photos
• Cleaning certificate
• Repair records
• Inspection report
• Key handover confirmation

Dutch Rental Law: What You Should Know

Under Dutch law, normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from your deposit. However, “normal” is often subjective. Having a professional representative at the inspection helps ensure fair treatment.

We’re familiar with the practices of major Dutch housing corporations and property managers. This experience helps us anticipate their requirements and prevent unnecessary deductions.

Timing Your Handover

Most rental contracts specify the exact handover date. Penalties for late handover can be significant - sometimes a full month’s rent or more.

We recommend scheduling your clearance and cleaning at least 3-5 days before the handover date. This provides buffer time for:

• Unexpected delays
• Additional cleaning requirements
• Last-minute repairs

Working with Housing Corporations

Dutch social housing corporations (woningcorporaties) have specific handover procedures. We’re experienced with major corporations including:

• Ymere
• De Alliantie
• Eigen Haard
• Vestia
• Woonbron

Each has slightly different requirements, and we adjust our service accordingly.

Remote Coordination

Already back in the UK, US, or elsewhere? No problem. Our entire service can be coordinated remotely:

• Video call for initial assessment
• Photo updates throughout the process
• Digital documentation delivery
• Real-time communication during inspection

You stay informed without needing to travel back to the Netherlands.

Pricing and Deposit Guarantee

Our rental handover service starts from €350 for a standard apartment. The final price depends on property size, cleaning requirements, and repairs needed.

For qualifying properties, we offer a deposit guarantee - if you don’t receive your full deposit back due to issues we should have addressed, we’ll compensate you.