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Are you one of the millions of Belgians who rent their homes? Then you know how precious it is to find the right place to live. But before you unpack your bags in your new home, let's take two minutes to talk about what could save you a lot of trouble (and protect your wallet): the inventory of fixtures.
You might be thinking, "More paperwork..."
I completely understand. In 15 years of real estate expertise, I've seen hundreds of tenants who thought the same thing. But when you know that about 30% of my interventions concern disputes over the return of rental deposits, it makes you think, doesn't it? Imagine the scene: you leave your apartment after three years of good and loyal service, everything seems fine, and then... your landlord tells you they are keeping 800 euros of your deposit for "various damages."
The amount of this little surprise? I regularly see amounts between 500 and 1500 euros unfairly withheld. Yes, you read that right. And that's where my job makes all the difference: an inventory of fixtures carried out by an independent expert like us at Expertym.
Just last week, I saved a tenant 1200 euros thanks to a well-documented initial inventory. Her landlord wanted to charge her for moisture stains that we had photographed and noted three years earlier!
At Expertym, we take the necessary time, photograph every detail, and clearly explain to you what is noted and why. You leave with a complete and indisputable file.
But be careful, this isn't the only time you should call on us!
And for good reason: without this document, you are legally presumed to have received the accommodation in the state it is in when you leave. I see too many tenants lose significant sums because they didn't take the time to properly document that crack in the living room wall or that stain on the carpet...
My expert eye also allows me to identify technical problems you might miss: emerging dampness, electrical defects, plumbing issues... Believe me, after thousands of inventories, I know where to look! Last week, I detected the beginning of water infiltration in a bathroom that neither the tenant nor the landlord had noticed.
After all these years in the business, here's my advice for stress-free renting: first, never sign an inventory you don't agree with. In my experience, noting your reservations in writing avoids 80% of future problems. If the disagreement persists, don't hesitate to request a counter-expertise - it's your strictest right.
And a piece of professional advice: ALWAYS keep your copy of the initial inventory. You can't imagine how many times a tenant calls me in a panic because they can't find their original document!
In summary, a professional inventory carried out by Expertym is like a good umbrella: you only see its usefulness when it rains. But when the storm breaks with your landlord, you'll be glad to have it! So before signing your lease, take the time to contact us. Then, you can fully enjoy your new home with peace of mind.
And remember: my expertise will never replace dialogue with your landlord. But in case of a problem, it can turn a financial disaster into a simple administrative formality. After 15 years in the business, I can guarantee you that the investment is well worth it!
As a tenant, to ensure good protection of your interests, ask for an Expertym expert to draft your initial inventory. You will be assured of the expert's neutrality and avoid any risk of collusion between the expert and the landlord.
