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

A pre-inspection at the beginning of the rental period is crucial to prevent later discussions, especially in a student city like Delft with many rental properties near the TU Delft. This documents the initial condition of the rental property, including existing defects such as cracks in historical walls or worn equipment in old Delft buildings. According to the General Rental Conditions Act, the landlord must provide a detailed inventory statement, which the tenant must sign. Refuse to sign if the defects are not accurately recorded and add your own remarks, for example, about moisture spots typical for canal houses. Take photos with a date stamp for evidence, useful in local disputes via the Delft Tenants' Association. This protocol serves as a reference for the final inspection, so that only new damage can be attributed to the tenant. The landlord is obliged to make the property habitable before move-in, taking into account Delft standards for energy efficiency in monumental houses. Tenants can claim rent protection via the Rent Tribunal in The Hague in case of non-compliance, with specific attention to Delft rental market regulation. Conduct the inspection jointly on the move-in day, record meter readings for gas and water – crucial with rising energy costs – plus keys and accessories such as bicycle racks. A good initial protocol protects against unjustified end-of-tenancy claims and accelerates the return of the security deposit, especially for expat and student rentals. For furnished rental properties, check functionality, fitting Delft interiors. Section 7:254 of the Civil Code requires transparency. Use standard models from the Huurwijzer or local templates from Woonbron for completeness. In Delft, with its busy rental market, also consult the municipality website for tips on tenants' rights in the city centre. (278 words)