What timeline should you follow when leaving a rental property?

In the dynamic housing market of 2026, ending a lease and moving to a new home is a process that requires extremely accurate planning. Whether you're moving to a home for sale, another rental home or abroad, the transition phase between cancelling your current contract and the final transfer of keys is crucial for maintaining your deposit and preventing legal disputes with the landlord. In 2026, landlords became stricter on the state of completion, partly due to the increased costs of repairs. A hasty move almost inevitably leads to financial setbacks.

Using a tight timeline ensures that you meet your contractual obligations, transfer your utilities in time, and leave the home in a condition that guarantees a full refund of the deposit. In this article, we outline the ideal timeline for a smooth “move-out” in 2026.

Two months before departure: The formal cancellation

The timeline officially begins the moment you decide to terminate the lease. In 2026, the legal notice period for tenants is usually the same as the payment period, which is usually one month. However, in order for everything to run smoothly, it is advisable to take action two months in advance.

• Check your lease: Look specifically at the provisions about the notice period and the method of termination (often by registered letter or via an official tenant portal).
• Submit the cancellation: Do this well before the end of the month. In 2026, digital transmission with a confirmation of receipt will be the standard, but a registered letter still offers the most legal certainty.
• Confirm the final inspection: Immediately upon cancellation, ask for an appointment for the pre-inspection and the final inspection. This prevents you from being dependent on the administrator's calendar at the last minute.

Six weeks before departure: Administration and planning

Once the cancellation has been confirmed, the administrative part of the move begins. In 2026, many services were digitized, which means that you can arrange many things at the touch of a button, provided you are on time.

• Utilities and Internet: Report your move to your energy supplier and water company. In 2026, it's essential to notify your ISP at least one month in advance to prevent interruptions in your home work environment.
• Insurances: Adjust your household and liability insurance to your new address.
• Inventory: Make a list of repairs that you have to carry out yourself according to the Minor Repairs Decree. Think of filling holes in the walls, replacing broken lights or repairing damaged paintwork.

Four weeks before departure: Pre-inspection

In 2026, most professional landlords will make use of a pre-inspection. This is a joint moment where the landlord indicates what still needs to be done before the final delivery takes place.

During this inspection, the condition of the home is compared to the state of recording when you moved into the home. The landlord draws up a list of points that need to be fixed. Now is the time to clear up any ambiguities: should that wall you painted blue be white again, or should the next tenant decide that? By doing this four weeks in advance, you'll have plenty of time to buy materials or hire a handyman without being under time pressure.

Two weeks before departure: The major clean-up and recovery

With fourteen days left, it's time for the physical execution. In 2026, sustainable disposal of waste will be the norm; so plan your visits to the recycling center in time.

• Perform repairs: Carry out the improvement points from the pre-inspection. Use quality materials; in 2026, landlords are less likely to accept “beunhanswerk” when closing holes or painting.
• Cleaning plan: Make a plan for deep cleaning. Many contracts state in 2026 that the home must be delivered “broom-clean”, but in practice, this often also means that limescale in the bathroom and grease residues in the kitchen must be removed.
• Adresse changes: Start the postal forwarding service and inform official authorities such as the municipality and the bank about your new address.

Last week: Packing and final round

The last week is dedicated to the actual move of your belongings. As soon as the house is empty, defects that were previously hidden behind cupboards or under rugs become visible.

Make sure you are completely out of the house no later than two days before the final inspection. This gives you the space for a final thorough cleaning. Walk around the house with your own photos (taken at the start of the rental) to make sure everything is in its original condition. Don't forget to zap the windows and remove the inside of the kitchen cabinets. In 2026, inspectors often use high-resolution cameras during the final round, so every detail counts for the deposit refund.

The day of delivery: Final inspection and meter readings

The final step on the timeline is the official key transfer. In 2026, the inspection report is often signed directly on a tablet and sent to both parties by e-mail.

• Record meter readings: Take pictures of the meter readings for gas, water and electricity (or check the readings on the smart meter with the inspector). This prevents billing problems afterwards.
• Hand over keys: Make sure you have all sets complete, including those of the storeroom, mailbox and any spare ones with the neighbors.
• Signing: Only sign the inspection report if you agree with the findings. If defects are noted, immediately request an estimate of the costs deducted from the deposit.

In 2026, a structured timeline is your best defense against unnecessary costs and stress. By starting well in advance, you can turn a move-out into a business transaction instead of emotional chaos.