Entry vs. exit: why both property inspection reports matter

Many people think that one property inspection is sufficient. In reality, the entry and exit inspections form an inseparable duo - only in combination do they provide the legal evidence with which your deposit can be correctly settled.

The Entry Inspection: Your Baseline Measurement

During the entry inspection, we record the condition of the property before the tenant moves in. Photos, descriptions, and meter readings together form a baseline measurement that can be referred back to later.

What we document:

• The condition of walls, ceilings, floors, and skirting boards in each room
• Sanitary facilities, kitchen equipment, and existing appliances
• Windows, doors, locks, and ironmongery
• Any existing defects - clearly marked
• Meter readings for utilities

This report protects both tenant and landlord: the tenant cannot be held liable for what was already present, and the landlord has a reference point for the entire rental period.

The Exit Inspection: The Comparison

At the end of the tenancy, we compare the condition with the entry inspection report. Only damage not caused by normal wear and tear can be charged.

It is important to distinguish between:

• **Normal wear and tear** - traces of use that come with ordinary living (slight discolouration of paint, small scratches on parquet). These are at the landlord's expense.
• **Damage** - damage caused by careless use (holes in the wall, burn marks, broken sanitary ware). These are at the tenant's expense.

Why Both Count - and Equally

Without an entry report, there is no point of comparison, and a landlord can charge almost nothing. Without an exit report, there is no formal assessment, and the deposit cannot be released correctly. Only when both have been drawn up contradictorily by an independent expert is the file conclusive.

Benefits for You

• **Fair settlement of the deposit** - no subjective discussions
• **Legal certainty** - the report has probative value in court
• **Time saving** - clear documents lead to quick settlement
• **Relationship protection** - independence prevents accusations

Practical Advice

Do not plan your exit inspection at the last minute. Ideally, allow one to two weeks before the end of the tenancy to carry out minor repairs. This way, you avoid unnecessary charges for damage.

PB Expert ensures that both reports seamlessly connect. The same format, the same photographic approach, the same expert - for a settlement where everyone wins.