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Move-in vs move-out report: what is the difference?

Move-in report, intake report, move-out report, handover record — the terms are easily confused. Here is the difference, and why you need both.

Renting out a property comes with all kinds of terms: move-in report, intake report, starting condition, move-out report, final inspection, handover record. They sound different, but they really cover two moments: the start of the tenancy and the end of the tenancy. Here is how they fit together.

The move-in report: at the start

The move-in report — also called the intake report or starting condition — records the state of the property on the first day of the tenancy. It is the baseline: the condition of each room, the meter readings, the keys handed over and any existing defects.

This is the reference point for everything that follows. Without a move-in report, it is impossible to objectively establish what has changed by the end. Read more in our explanation of the move-in inspection report.

The move-out report: at the end

The move-out report — also called the final inspection or, legally in the Netherlands, the "proces-verbaal van oplevering" — records the state of the property at the end of the tenancy. You walk through each room again and compare it with the move-in report.

The difference between the two reports shows which damage was caused during the tenancy. That is the basis for the final settlement and a fair split of the deposit. See how to approach this on the move-out inspection report page.

Why you need both

A move-out report without a move-in report has little value: you know the state at the end, but not whether it differs from the start. The reverse is equally true. The power is in the combination.

Move-in report Move-out report
Moment Start of the tenancy End of the tenancy
Purpose Record the baseline Compare with the baseline
Basis for Expectations at the end Final settlement and deposit

One system for both

The easiest approach is to create both reports in the same system. Then they sit side by side and you compare each room at a glance. With Kamerinspectie you create the move-in report at the start and the move-out report at the end — with the same room layout, photos and digital signatures. That way you always have a complete record per property.

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