Who Pays for an Exit Report when Moving Out - Netherlands
As a tenant, it is useful to know who bears the cost of an exit report when moving out. In the Netherlands questions arise about the deposit, repair costs and who pays for an independent report or inspection. This guide simply explains what an exit report is, which costs are often borne by the tenant or landlord and how you record evidence and communication. You get steps to find a reasonable solution together with the landlord, when you can involve the Rent Tribunal and which legal sources are relevant. The text uses clear language aimed at tenants in the Netherlands so you can act and be well prepared at the end of the tenancy.
What is an exit report?
An exit report is a written or digital description of the property's condition at move-out. It usually contains an overview of existing damage, cleaning and repair points and sometimes photos as evidence. The exit report can be prepared by the landlord, an independent inspection agency or both parties together. Legal standards about the obligations of landlord and tenant are in Book 7 of the Civil Code.[1]
Who pays for the exit report?
There is no fixed rule that one party always pays; often: standard inspections and administrative reports that are part of normal management are paid by the landlord. If an independent inspection or extra report is specifically requested by the tenant, the tenant may sometimes pay for it. If repair costs are needed due to damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can deduct costs from the deposit. In case of disagreement you can go to the Rent Tribunal or subdistrict court to test whether deductions are reasonable.[2]
Practically: always discuss whether you do a joint inspection and request a signed report when moving out. Take photos and keep communication by email or letter as evidence. If the lease states the tenant must always pay for an external report, that clause can sometimes be challenged when costs are unreasonable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the tenant always pay for cleaning and small repairs?
- Not always; normal wear and tear is usually the landlord's responsibility, but overdue cleaning or damage caused by the tenant can be offset against the deposit.
- Can I hire an independent inspector?
- Yes, you can request an independent inspection, but who pays depends on agreement and reasonableness; always keep evidence of damage.
- What does the Rent Tribunal do in a dispute about deductions?
- The Rent Tribunal often assesses service charges and the reasonableness of deductions; for specific deposit and repair matters the subdistrict court may be involved.[2]
How-To
- Gather evidence: take photos of every room and note existing defects.
- Report and discuss defects early with the landlord to avoid misunderstandings.
- Request a written exit report and have it signed together or keep your own version.
- Contact the Rent Tribunal if you cannot agree on reasonable deductions or costs.[2]
- If the dispute is not resolved, consider court proceedings with your documentation as evidence.
Help and Support
- Rent Tribunal - information and procedures
- Wetten.overheid.nl - Civil Code Book 7 (Tenancy law)
- Government.nl - housing information and policy
