Pre-inspection at the start of the rental period in Rotterdam

A pre-inspection at the beginning of the rental period is essential for tenants in Rotterdam to avoid discussions at the end. This documents the initial condition of the rental property in neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven, Kralingen or the Kop van Zuid, including typical Rotterdam defects such as cracks due to subsiding foundations in older buildings or worn equipment in port-adjacent apartments. According to the General Rental Conditions and Civil Code Book 7:254, the landlord must provide a detailed inventory statement, which the tenant checks and signs. Refuse agreement if defects are not accurately recorded, add your own notes and take photos with date stamps as evidence – crucial for Rotterdam Rental Team inspections. Conduct the inspection jointly on the move-in day, note meter readings for water and electricity (important given high Rotterdam rates), keys and accessories such as bicycle racks. The landlord must make the property habitable prior to move-in, in accordance with local requirements of the municipality of Rotterdam. In case of non-compliance, you can claim rent protection via the Huurcommissie or Juridisch Loket Rotterdam, including rent reduction for moisture problems in IJsselmonde. This protocol serves as the basis for the end-inspection, so that only new damage, such as party damage in the Feyenoord neighbourhood, is attributed to you. For furnished rental properties in the Centrum, thoroughly check the functionality of furniture. Use standard models from the Huurwijzer Rotterdam or Roteb tips for completeness. A solid initial report protects against unjustified claims by housing associations such as Woonbron and accelerates the return of the security deposit. Local Rotterdam tenants often report success with this approach in disputes via the Rotterdam district court.