Move-In Checklist - HomeSeeker

Getting the Keys

Do these immediately on or before move-in day.

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Do a full walkthrough with the landlord or agent present
Note all existing damage - scratches, stains, broken fixtures. Take timestamped photos of everything. This protects your deposit when you leave.
Record all meter readings (gas, electricity, water)
Take photos showing the meter numbers clearly. You will need these when registering with utility suppliers.
Confirm which keys open which locks
Front door, mailbox, bike storage, building entrance. Count all sets of keys you receive.
Get a signed check-in inspection report (opleveringsrapport)
Both you and the landlord sign a document listing the property's condition. If they don't offer one, create your own with photos and ask them to sign or confirm by email.
Locate the fuse box and main water shutoff valve
Essential to know in an emergency. The fuse box is usually in a hallway cupboard or storage room. The water shutoff is typically under the kitchen sink or in a meter cupboard.

Required by law within 5 days of moving in.

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Register at the municipality (gemeente)
Book an appointment online at your gemeente's website. Bring your passport and rental contract. This updates your BRP (municipal personal records) and is required by law within 5 days.
Update your address with DigiD
Log in to MijnOverheid via DigiD and update your correspondence address. Also update your BSN registration if your address was different before.
Notify your employer, bank, and insurance providers
Update your registered address with your employer's HR, your Dutch bank account, health insurance (zorgverzekering), and any other financial services.
Set up mail redirection from your old address
PostNL offers a paid redirection service. Useful for the first 3 months to catch anything addressed to your old home.

Do these in the first 3 days.

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Transfer or set up gas and electricity contracts
Contact the current supplier (ask landlord who supplies the property) with your meter readings from move-in day. If the contract is still in the previous tenant's name, register a new one immediately. Common suppliers: Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, Greenchoice.
Set up water contract if billed separately
In many rentals, water is included in servicekosten. Check your lease. If it's billed separately, contact the regional water company (e.g. Waternet in Amsterdam, Dunea in The Hague).
Order internet/fibre connection
Providers: KPN, Ziggo, T-Mobile Home, or local fibre providers. Allow 1-2 weeks for installation. Check what's already installed in the building - Ziggo coax or KPN fibre points are often already present.
Arrange contents insurance (inboedelverzekering)
Covers your furniture, electronics, and belongings inside the property. Compare at Independer.nl. Cost is typically €5-€15/month depending on property value and coverage.
Check if aansprakelijkheidsverzekering (liability insurance) is included
Personal liability insurance covers accidental damage you cause to others' property. Many Dutch people have it (€3-€7/month). Often bundled with contents insurance.

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Report any issues or damage discovered after moving in
Dutch law requires landlords to fix serious defects (serious damp, broken heating, structural issues). Report in writing (email) within the first week to create a paper trail.
Find out your bin collection days
Check your gemeente website or ask a neighbour. Different coloured bins (grey/blue/green/orange) collect different waste on different days. Using the wrong bin on the wrong day leads to a fine.
Register for parking permit if needed
In most Dutch cities, street parking requires a resident permit. Apply at your gemeente immediately - there can be waiting lists.
Read your lease's house rules (huisreglement)
Check rules about noise hours, shared spaces, package deliveries, smoking policy, and guest policies. Landlords can issue warnings or end leases for repeated violations.
Save your landlord's emergency contact details
In case of serious problems (burst pipe, power failure, broken heating), you need to be able to reach them fast. Check if they have a 24/7 emergency number.