From rental to rental: what you need to know
Notice period and timing
The notice period of your current rental is the first thing to consider. Most rental contracts have a notice period of one to three months, starting on the first of the month. This means you need to plan well in advance. Check your rental contract for the exact conditions: some contracts require notice by registered mail, others accept email. Ensure you receive written confirmation of the notice. The ideal scenario is that the end date of your old lease and the start date of your new lease align, but in practice there is often overlap. Calculate the costs of double rent and include this in your moving budget. If you can leave earlier, discuss with your landlord the possibility of handing over the property earlier or proposing a new tenant. Some landlords are flexible in this regard, especially if you leave the property in good condition.
The final inspection: prevention is better than cure
The final inspection determines whether you get your deposit back. Prepare for this from the moment you give notice. Consult the inspection report from when you moved in, this is your reference point. Any damage that was already there at the start doesn't need to be repaired. Normal wear and tear (wall discolouration, light usage marks on floors) falls under normal use and is the landlord's responsibility. But holes in walls, carpet stains, damaged plumbing and items left behind will be deducted. Clean the property thoroughly or hire a professional cleaning service. Repair minor damage yourself: fill holes in walls, remove wallpaper glue residue and clean sealant joints. Take extensive photos of every room at handover. Be present at the final inspection and have the report signed on the spot. This prevents disputes afterwards about the condition of the property.
Deposit: your rights and getting it back
The deposit is typically one to two months' rent and must be returned after handover, minus any justified repair costs. The landlord cannot simply withhold the deposit: there must be demonstrable damage beyond normal use. The return must take place within a reasonable period, the law states "without delay", in practice this is one to two months maximum after handover. If your landlord unjustly withholds the deposit, send a formal notice of default by registered mail. Report it to the Legal Aid Office or Rent Tribunal if the landlord doesn't respond. Keep all correspondence, photos and the inspection report carefully. A common mistake is not paying the last month's rent reasoning the deposit covers it, this is not legally permitted and can lead to collection costs. Always pay all rent properly and claim your deposit back separately.
Utilities and address changes
In rental properties, utilities are usually in the tenant's name. Contact your energy provider, water company and internet provider in time. Some contracts can be transferred to your new address, others need to be cancelled and reconnected. Watch the notice periods: internet providers often have a one-month notice period. Take meter readings on the day of handover and report these to your providers. Don't forget to cancel your ongoing energy contract at the old address, otherwise you keep paying for a property where you no longer live. Submit your address change to the municipality, tax office, bank, health insurance, employer and all subscriptions. Set up automatic mail forwarding with the postal service so mail to your old address is redirected. This service runs for a maximum of one year and costs a small fee. Check after a month that all mail arrives correctly at your new address.
Tenant rights when moving
As a tenant, you have specific rights that protect you when moving. Your landlord may not impose unreasonable demands at handover: paintwork older than three years falls under normal maintenance and is the landlord's responsibility. You have the right to a proper final inspection with a written report. The landlord must return the deposit unless there is demonstrable damage. In case of dispute, you can go to the Rent Tribunal or Legal Aid Office free of charge. If your landlord wants to renovate the property and asks you to leave, in many cases you are entitled to a moving cost allowance. In 2026, this is at least €7,212 for independent dwellings. Check whether you are entitled to housing benefit for your new property through the tax office. And know that your landlord cannot refuse to let you leave the property if you have correctly observed the notice period, it is your right to move whenever you want.
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Vermaat Verhuizingen relocates private clients and businesses across the Netherlands. Our articles are written from practical knowledge of the moving trade, from narrow Amsterdam staircases to international moves. More about us →
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