When you move out of your rental property, you will typically be invited to an move-out inspection. The purpose of this inspection is to assess any damages or issues with the property to determine if any amount should be deducted from your security deposit.
This article outlines what usually happens when a tenant moves out of a rental property, but the specific requirements and agreements will always be described in detail in your lease contract.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
You're usually responsible for leaving the property in the same condition it was in at the beginning of the tenancy, with the exception of normal wear and tear. This typically includes cleaning, so you should ensure that you thoroughly clean the property before moving out.
Remember to clean the entire living areas, including the oven, range hood, the tops of cabinets, and removing limescale in the shower area, as these are areas typically inspected during an end-of-tenancy inspection. If the cleaning is not satisfactory, the landlord may deduct an amount from your deposit to pay for professional cleaning.
Inspection at the End of the Tenancy:
Just before you move out of the property, the landlord typically conducts an inspection of the premises. It is highly recommended that you are physically present during this inspection, as you and the landlord will inspect the property for faults, deficiencies, and damages together.
During the inspection, all rooms and any fixed fixtures in the property will be examined. If you have caused any damage beyond normal wear and tear, it will be noted in an inspection report. If you haven't cleaned the property sufficiently, that will also be documented.
Depending on the terms of the lease agreement and the agreements made during the inspection, the landlord may deduct an amount from your deposit to cover renovations or any necessary repairs.
Billing and Refund of the Deposit:
You will usually receive an account statement from your landlord shortly after the inspection. In this statement, you can see how much of your deposit will be refunded and what any set-offs cover.
It is very common for an amount to be deducted for repainting the rental. If the property was newly renovated, e.g., freshly painted with newly varnished floors when you moved in, it is also very common for it to be "normal refurbished" at your expense when you move out. If the property was not newly renovated when you moved in, there should be no refurbishment required when you move out.
The specific refurbishment requirements should always be outlined in your lease agreement.
Moving Out:
You typically need to have moved out of the property 14 days before the lease expires. This is because the landlord needs time to prepare the property for the next tenant. Therefore, be aware of this deadline when terminating your lease, as it can affect when you can or should take possession of your next home.
The specific agreements regarding the move-out process can always be found in your lease agreement.
Remember to Notify Utility Services and Authorities:
Always remember to inform utility or subscription services associated with your name and address when you move or change your address. For example, if you have a direct agreement with an electricity provider, you should contact them to either terminate or transfer your agreement.
It is also important that you remember to report your move to the National Danish Registry (Folkeregistret) through Borger.dk no later than five days after your move.