Quick Start: Moving Out Checklist

Before you leave Leuven, make sure you:

• Notify your landlord in writing and respect the notice period
• Schedule an exit inspection (plaatsbeschrijving bij uittrede)
• Clean the property and complete any required minor repairs
• Cancel utility and service contracts
• Return all keys
• Arrange mail forwarding through Bpost
• Settle outstanding bills and taxes
• De-register from your municipality if leaving Belgium
• Return Belgian license plates (if applicable)
• Close or update bank accounts, insurance policies, and subscriptions as needed

Ending Your Rental Agreement in Belgium

Inform Your Landlord in Writing

If you rent a property in Belgium, you must formally notify your landlord when you plan to leave. Verbal agreements or phone calls are not sufficient.

For your own protection:

• Send your notice by registered mail or email
• Keep proof of when the notice was sent
• Check the notice period specified in your rental contract
• Verify whether any early termination fees apply

If you are ending your lease before its official end date, you may have to pay compensation depending on the type of tenancy agreement and when you leave. Read more about the different types of rental contracts in Belgium here.

Understand the Exit Inspection

When moving in, you likely completed an entry inventory report (plaatsbeschrijving).

When moving out, an exit inspection compares the current condition of the property against that original report.

Before the inspection:

• Locate your entry inspection document
• Review any existing damage that was already recorded
• Take photographs of the property's condition
• Make sure any tenant-responsible repairs have been completed

Any damage beyond normal wear and tear may result in deductions from your rental guarantee deposit.

Cleaning and Property Maintenance

Leave the Property Clean

Most landlords expect the property to be returned in a similar condition to when you received it.

Common cleaning tasks include:

• Deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms
• Emptying and defrosting refrigerators and freezers
• Cleaning floors, windows, and appliances
• Removing all personal belongings

If you are short on time, consider hiring a professional cleaning company.

Complete Minor Repairs

In Flanders, tenants are generally responsible for day-to-day maintenance and small repairs.

Examples may include:

• Replacing light bulbs
• Filling small nail holes
• Maintaining fixtures and fittings
• Repairing damage caused during the tenancy

Completing these repairs before the exit inspection can help avoid unnecessary charges. Find a list of minor repairs listed in the Flemish Housing Decree here.

Cancel Utility and Service Contracts

Before leaving your home, make sure all utility accounts are properly closed or transferred.

Essential Services to Review

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Internet and television
• Mobile phone contracts
• Heating oil deliveries
• Alarm systems
• Waste collection contracts (if applicable)

Take final meter readings and keep copies of all closing statements.

Final Tasks Before Handing Over the Property

Return All Keys

Make sure all keys are returned, including:

• Front door keys
• Mailbox keys
• Garage or parking access keys
• Storage room keys
• Electronic access badges

Moving Van Permits

If using a moving company or large moving van, check with the city whether a temporary parking permit is required.

Sell, Donate, or Recycle Unwanted Items

Don't leave unwanted furniture or appliances behind.

Options include:

• Selling items online (2dehands, Facebook Marketplace)
• Donating to friends or community groups (Gift Leuven Facebook group)
• Giving reusable goods to De Kringwinkel - for larger items, you can schedule a pickup time where an employee will come by with a large vehicle.
• Using local recycling facilities

Potential Costs When Moving Out

Depending on your situation, you may face:

• Exit inspection fees
• Professional cleaning costs
• Repair costs
• Early termination penalties
• Outstanding utility bills

Planning ahead can help reduce these expenses.

Closing Accounts and Insurance Policies

Before leaving Belgium, review which accounts should remain active and which should be closed.

Banking

You may wish to keep your Belgian bank account open temporarily if you still need it for:

• Salary payments
• Tax settlements
• Rental deposit refunds
• Final invoices

Only close your account once all transactions have been completed.

Insurance Policies

Review and cancel or transfer:

• Fire insurance
• Car insurance
• Family liability insurance
• Hospitalization insurance

Other Services

Consider whether you need to terminate:

• Phone subscriptions
• Internet contracts
• Gym memberships
• Health insurance fund membership

Administrative Requirements When Leaving Belgium

If you are moving abroad, there are several government procedures you may need to complete.

De-register from Your Municipality

People leaving Belgium permanently must usually de-register from their local municipality.

After de-registration, you may receive a Model 8 certificate, which can be useful when registering in your next country of residence.

Tax Obligations

Before leaving Belgium:

• Inform the tax authorities that you are moving abroad
• Verify whether you need to submit a final tax return
• Ensure your contact details remain up to date

Special tax procedures may apply for departing residents.

Belgian Driver's Licence

Depending on your destination country, you may need to exchange your Belgian driving licence after relocating.

Belgian License Plates

If you own a vehicle registered in Belgium, make sure you follow the correct procedure for returning Belgian license plates and ending vehicle registration.

Arrange Mail Forwarding

To avoid missing important correspondence, set up mail forwarding through Bpost's Do My Move service before you leave.

Helpful Dutch Vocabulary for Moving Out

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice do I need to give my landlord in Belgium?

The required notice period depends on your rental contract and tenancy type. Always check your lease agreement and provide notice in writing.

Can my landlord keep my rental deposit?

A landlord may request deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or unpaid bills. The exit inspection usually determines whether deductions are justified.

Do I need to close my Belgian bank account before leaving?

Not necessarily. Many people keep their account open temporarily to receive final salary payments, tax refunds, or the return of their rental guarantee.

What is a Model 8 document?

A Model 8 certificate confirms that you have officially deregistered from Belgium and may be required when registering in another country.

Should I cancel utilities before moving out?

Yes. Contact providers in advance to arrange final meter readings, closing invoices, or account transfers.

What happens if I move abroad without de-registering?

Failing to de-register can lead to administrative complications with local authorities, tax matters, and future registration procedures.