Discovering The Netherlands

Recycling + Recycling Carts/Bags/Bins: Varies from community to community whether yellow carts, bags, or bins. However, the contents to be put in yellow are always the same + Paper Carts/Paper Collection Facility: In most communities, a separate paper can is provided for the disposal of paper products + Glass Collection Facility: Glass, sorted according to color, has to be taken to the local glass collection facilities + Organic Waste: In some communities, organic waste carts are provided and must be used for organic waste only + Hazardous Waste: In some communities, hazardous waste is collected regularly. In other communities, you need to take your hazardous waste to special facilities Departure Departures can be quite challenging, in particular regarding the condition of the property. In The Netherlands, landlords expect the property to be returned in such a condition that they can immediately rent out the property to the next tenant. Landlords can pass the responsibility of repairs and painting on to tenants. The costs for such repairs are not included in the rent. The lease includes a clause on the condition the property should be returned in a cleaned and sometimes painted condition. The property is returned according to the lease contract. Returning a Property The specific termination period is always mentioned in the lease. The monthly rent, utilities, and all property-related expenses must be paid until the end of the lease. It is advisable to have a pre-inspection with the landlord or landlord’s representative around six to eight weeks before lease-end/moving out to determine which items need to be completed. Be aware that a pre-inspection is not final, as furniture may still be in the property and so possible damage may not be seen. Cleaning, repainting if you changed wall color, and repair of any damaged items during this period will be your responsibility. Depending on the individual lease or possible part payments towards renovation costs may be required. The documents guiding what needs to be done before returning the keys include the lease contract and the inventory list made at the beginning of the lease period. The checklist of the property condition at move-in is very important. It is a document amended to the contract and should be provided to the tenant when moving in, and again before vacating the property, both with the landlord present. To leave the rental in the same condition it was found. Make sure a list/inventory is created on move-in day to avoid misunderstandings. A great way to keep track of previous damage is to take photos of the damage with a time stamp as physical evidence.

© 2019 Dwellworks, LLC

Page 35

Discovering The Netherlands