Préparation des états de lieux de sortie

Lors de la fin d’une location, l’état des lieux de sortie est une étape cruciale pour les locataires et propriétaires.

Réalisé par un expert en état des lieux en Belgique, il permet de constater l’état du logement, de récupérer votre caution en toute transparence et d’éviter les litiges.

Chez BEREX, nos experts vous accompagnent avec des conseils pratiques pour préparer efficacement cette inspection et garantir un rapport clair et impartial.

General cleaning and maintenance:

🧹 Cleaning areas that are often overlooked

During our inspections, our BEREX experts regularly find that certain parts of the home are neglected, sometimes for several months at a time. Bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms are among the most overlooked areas. However, regular maintenance of these spaces not only improves living comfort, but also prevents costly repairs due to wear and tear or the accumulation of dirt.

🔧 Maintenance of neglected items

Some everyday objects require special care but often go unnoticed. For example: bathroom seals that deteriorate with humidity, ventilation filters that become clogged, or faucets and shower heads that become encrusted with limescale. Without maintenance, these small items can quickly lead to unexpected costs.

💡 Tips for saving on fees

With a few simple steps and good preparation, it is possible to significantly reduce cleaning and maintenance costs. Scheduling regular cleaning, using appropriate products, and checking the condition of your facilities from time to time are habits that will save you time and money.

The hoods:

When a rental agreement comes to an end, it is essential to check that all equipment is in perfect working order. The kitchen hood, often overlooked, plays a key role: it keeps the air clean, limits cooking odors, and prevents grease from accumulating on walls and ceilings.

🔎 Focus on the different types of range hoods and their maintenance

Depending on the model installed (ventilation hood, recirculation hood, or combination hood), maintenance varies:

• Metal filters: must be removed and cleaned regularly, preferably in the dishwasher or with hot soapy water, to maintain their effectiveness.
• Charcoal filters (in recirculating models): need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months to ensure effective odor filtration.
• Exhaust ducts: check to prevent grease deposits that reduce performance and increase the risk of fire.

💡 A point that BEREX emphasizes

• Replacing the light bulbs in the range hood: a detail that may seem insignificant, but is essential. A poorly lit range hood makes meal preparation uncomfortable and can give the impression of neglect during the inspection.

✅ Our advice: cleaning the range hood before the final inspection allows you to present a clean, functional home with no surprises for the next occupants.

Fittings and seals:

Our experts have noticed this many times: the small nozzle screwed onto the end of your faucet, called an aerator, is often overlooked when cleaning. However, it is essential to maintain it!​

👉 Why maintain it ?

• Maintain good water pressure
• Avoid splashing
• Save water with a better regulated spray

🧽 How do I clean it ? 

Nothing could be simpler: unscrew the aerator and soak it in white vinegar for a few hours. This effectively dissolves limescale and restores your faucet to full efficiency.

🧼 Sealing gaskets: another sensitive issue

Over time, humidity and soap deposits cause bathroom and kitchen grout to turn yellow or black. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, poorly maintained grout can promote mold growth and give the impression of poor hygiene.

✨ Our tips for flawless joints:​

• Yellowed joints : apply white vinegar, leave for a few minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush.
• Blackened joints: use a bleach-based detergent. Apply gently, leave to work, then rinse thoroughly.

💡 BEREX tip: Regular minor maintenance (aerators + seals) not only keeps your home healthy and pleasant, but also limits the need for more extensive and costly repairs in the long term.

The exteriors:

🌿 Don't neglect your outdoor areas when renting out your property!

When you move out of a rental property, it is crucial to remember to maintain the outdoor areas, especially if you are lucky enough to have a garden. A well-maintained outdoor space will make a positive impression on the landlord and could save you additional costs during the exit inspection.

✨ Some practical tips for preparing your outdoor areas:

• Lawn mowing: a well-cut lawn immediately gives a clean and well-maintained appearance.
• Weeding: remove weeds from paths, patios, and flower beds.
• Pruning hedges and shrubs: a quick snip with the shears is often all it takes to restore shape and clarity to your garden.
• Cleaning the patio: a jet of water or a scrub brush will remove moss and dirt.
• Leaf collection: simple but essential for a clean finish.

💡 BEREX tip: get these tasks done a few days before the inspection. This will save you from last-minute stress and ensure a smooth move-out 🤩.

The walls and paint:

When a tenant moves out, the condition of the walls is carefully inspected. Clean, well-maintained walls can make all the difference and prevent you from losing money from your security deposit.

✨ Our tips for preparing your walls:

• Gentle cleaning: use a soft cloth or slightly damp sponge with non-abrasive products to remove marks without damaging the paintwork.
• Small holes and cracks : fill in any holes left by nails or dowels and repair any visible cracks.
• Damp and mold: treat these before the inventory, as they can give the impression of a poorly maintained property.
• Repainting: if you have changed the color of a wall or room, it is usually necessary to repaint in the original color.

💡 BEREX tip: take the time to check the condition of the walls room by room before returning the keys. These small details ensure that the property is returned in good condition and facilitate a smooth transition 🤝🏻.

Windows and shutters:

During a move-out inspection, the condition of windows and shutters is often scrutinized. Clean, functional openings reflect a well-maintained home and can save you additional costs.

✨ Our tips for effective maintenance:

• Thorough cleaning : wash the windows thoroughly, as well as the frames (wood, PVC, aluminum) using suitable products.
• Seals : check their condition and replace them if necessary to prevent leaks.
• Sliding window tracks & roller shutters : Dust and clean the tracks to ensure smooth opening.
• Swing shutters : check their condition; sanding, a coat of paint, or a protective treatment may be necessary.
• Proper functioning : ensure that all windows open and close smoothly. If necessary, apply lubricant to the hinges or mechanisms.
• Repairs : replace defective parts and repair damaged shutters to avoid any comments during the inventory.

💡 BEREX tip: a little regular maintenance will save you from having to do a big last-minute clean. These simple steps will ensure you can return the property hassle-free 🤗.

Flooring:

Floors are one of the first things inspected during a rental inspection. Proper maintenance for each type of flooring can help you avoid unpleasant surprises and make it easier to get your deposit back 💸.

✨ Our recommendations based on floor type:

• Parquet flooring : clean stains with a product specifically designed for wood and avoid using too much water, which can cause warping. For light scratches, use touch-up pencils or suitable oils. For deep scratches, sanding followed by varnishing may be necessary.
• Laminate flooring :  limit water exposure as much as possible and check areas that are susceptible to moisture (near window frames or radiators). If any slats are damaged, it is best to replace them.
• Tiles : Clean the grout thoroughly, as it often becomes discolored over time, and ensure that there are no visible cracks or chips.
• Carpet : vacuum thoroughly, then treat stains with stain removers. For persistent odors, steam cleaning is ideal.
• Vinyl/Linoleum : wipe with a damp mop using a suitable cleaning product and use wax to reduce minor scratches.
• Carpets : vacuum thoroughly and, if necessary, dry clean or steam clean for a flawless finish.

💡 BEREX tip: Regular maintenance of the floors throughout the rental period makes it much easier to prepare for departure. These simple steps make all the difference when it comes to getting your deposit back without any stress!

Light fixtures and light bulbs:

💡 Light fixtures and bulbs: the details that matter when renting out a property

When you move out, every detail can work in your favor to get your security deposit back in full. Light fixtures are often overlooked but are always checked by landlords.

✨ Our tips for perfect lighting:

1. Replace burnt-out light bulbs: check each room and make sure all light bulbs are working properly.
2. Clean the light fixtures: dust the lampshades, pendant lights, and wall lights to restore brightness to the room.
3. Secure the fixings: check that the light fixtures are securely attached to the ceiling or wall, and tighten if necessary.
4. Standardize lighting: harmonize bulb colors (avoid having cool white light in one room and warm yellow light in another). This creates a sense of consistency and care.
5. Restore the original configuration: if you have replaced certain light fixtures with your own models, remember to replace them with the ones provided at the entrance to the apartment.

💡 BEREX tip: Clean, functional, and coordinated lighting immediately gives a positive impression to the owner or real estate agent and can prevent comments during the walk-through. ✅