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Pre-check-out & Check-out instructions

Guide for departing tenants

Updated over a week ago

Dear tenant,

We're sorry to see you leave and thank you for your time renting a property from LIV Residential. To ensure a smooth and cost-free lease termination, we've compiled this guide. It explains exactly what you can expect and what we expect from you during the pre-checkout, final inspection, and actual vacancy.

We wish you all the best with your (upcoming) move!

1. The Handover Process Step-by-Step

1.1. Notice of Termination Sent

After we receive your notice of termination, you will receive a confirmation from us with an explanation of the next steps. The period for carrying out any necessary repairs to the property starts automatically. Additionally, you will receive a pre-check-out email within a few working days of the termination acknowledgment. If you do not receive this email within five working days, please check your spam folder or contact us for assistance.

1.2. Pre Check-Out (Pre-Inspection)

Approximately two weeks before the end of the tenancy, the pre-check-out will be scheduled. During this appointment, the inspector will: Tenants are not required to remove their belongings for this inspection, as the focus is on assessing the property's condition and identifying necessary actions.

  • assess the current condition of the property,

  • discuss which items you need to repair or restore before the final handover at the end of the rental period.

You will receive a pre-check-out report afterwards.

1.3. Repair period

During this period you can:

  • carry out any necessary repair work,

  • consult us about special circumstances,

  • ask questions if something is unclear.

1.4. Viewings

During the repair period, we may schedule viewings with new potential tenants for your property, in consultation with you.

1.5. Check-out (Final inspection)

During the final inspection, we will:

  • check whether all repair items have been completed,

  • assess whether the property has been returned to its original condition,

  • collect all keys from you.

1.6. Final settlement

The final bill will be issued approximately two weeks after the keys have been returned. Any repair costs or outstanding items will be deducted from the outstanding deposit.

1.7. Return of deposit

Once all costs have been settled, we will refund the (remaining) deposit to your account.

No charges applied: the deposit will be returned within 2 weeks.

Costs applied: the (remaining) deposit will be returned within 4 weeks.


2. Conditions for Proper Handover

The property must be cleared of all items installed, attached, or added by the tenant, or taken over from the previous tenant or occupant, unless the landlord has stated otherwise in writing.

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Walls & Ceilings

  • Painted white, ready for wallpaper

  • Wallpaper, stickers, and films removed

  • Drill holes repaired

  • No mold, discoloration, or damage

Floors

  • Any self-installed flooring removed

  • Subfloor smooth and free of glue residue

  • Skirting boards, thresholds, and door strips in place

Kitchen

  • Complete, clean, and grease-free

  • Appliances descaled

  • Cabinets cleaned inside and out

Bathroom & Sanitary Areas

  • Descaled and thoroughly cleaned

  • No mold, discoloration, or excess sealant

Electrical

  • Switches, outlets, and ventilation grilles clean and working

  • Fixed lamps removed, ceiling boxes fitted with connector block

  • Cable ducts removed

Windows, Doors & Frames

  • Clean inside and out

  • No stickers or films

  • Frames undamaged and mold-free

  • Doors undamaged (no unauthorized pet flaps)

Garden, Balcony & Facade

  • Weed-free and well-maintained

  • Any self-installed items removed (unless otherwise approved in writing)

  • Outdoor areas empty and swept clean

Cleaning

The entire property must be thoroughly cleaned, including:

  • Windows, doors, frames

  • Kitchen appliances and tiling

  • Sanitary fittings

  • Floors and skirting boards

  • Built-in cupboards, meter cupboard, boiler/utility room


3. Keys & Accessories

At check-out, you must return:

  • All original and duplicate keys

  • Waste disposal passes

  • Key certificates

  • Parking passes (if applicable)

  • Keys for windows, balcony doors, storage units, and communal areas


4. Costs for Incomplete Handover

If the property is not handed over correctly, costs may be charged for, among other things:

  • Cleaning

  • Painting

  • Repairing damage

  • Removing floors or left-behind items

  • Extra inspections

In addition, rent may be charged for each day the property cannot be re-let.


5. Departure Checklist

✅ Walls white, wallpaper-ready, holes repaired
✅ Ceilings clean and mold-free
✅ Floors empty, level, and glue-free
✅ Kitchen complete, grease-free, and descaled
✅ Bathroom cleaned and descaled
✅ Windows and frames clean, no films
✅ Garden/balcony weed-free, empty, and tidy
✅ All electrical and ventilation systems clean and functional
✅ All rooms empty and cleaned
✅ All keys and passes returned
✅ Waste properly disposed of


6. Contact

If you have any questions, please contact us easily through the chat in the LIV app.

We wish you the best of luck with your move and thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth handover.

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