Moving Out in Amsterdam? This One Cleaning Detail Can Cost You Your Deposit
- cleaning24nl
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
“I’ve seen tenants lose €1,500 of their deposit over something smaller than a coin.”
If you’re moving out of a rental apartment in Amsterdam, this is something you must read before handing in your keys.
As a professional cleaner in Amsterdam, I see this problem every single month — especially with expats and first-time renters.
The apartment looks clean. The tenant feels confident. Then the landlord walks in… and the deposit is gone.
Why Deposits Are Lost After Moving Out in Amsterdam
Amsterdam landlords don’t inspect apartments the same way tenants clean them.
They don’t look at:
Only the floors
Only the bathroom tiles
Only what’s visible at first glance
They inspect details.
And those details decide whether you get your deposit back.
The Small Cleaning Detail That Costs Big Money
In one apartment in Amsterdam-West, everything looked perfect.
But the landlord checked:
The extractor hood filter
The oven edges and seals
The base of the faucets
The radiators
There was grease.There was limescale.There was dust.
Small spots — smaller than a coin.
Result?
➡️ “Professional end of tenancy cleaning required”
➡️ €1,500 deducted from the deposit
No negotiation.
Why This Happens So Often to Expats in Amsterdam
Expats are at higher risk of losing their deposit because:
They don’t know Dutch inspection standards
They assume “normal wear and tear” is acceptable
They clean emotionally, not strategically
They underestimate how strict landlords are
In Amsterdam’s rental market, landlords can easily find new tenants.That means zero tolerance during inspections.
The Biggest Myth About Move-Out Cleaning
Many tenants believe:
“If I clean everything myself, it will be fine.”
Unfortunately, that’s not true.
Move-out cleaning in Amsterdam is not about effort —it’s about inspection-level cleanliness.
Landlords check:
Edges
Undersides
Filters
Hidden buildup
If something looks neglected, it becomes your problem.
Top 5 Most Overlooked Areas During End of Tenancy Cleaning
If you’re moving out of an apartment in Amsterdam, never forget these areas:
1. Extractor Hood Filters
Grease buildup is one of the biggest red flags for landlords.
2. Oven Door Edges & Rubber Seals
Tenants clean inside the oven — landlords check the edges.
3. Faucets & Shower Drains
Limescale = “poor maintenance” in inspections.
4. Radiators & Ventilation Grilles
Dust means the apartment wasn’t properly maintained.
5. Skirting Boards & Door Frames
Especially near entrances and kitchens.
These areas are small — but they decide your deposit.
Why “Normal Use” Doesn’t Protect Your Deposit
What tenants call normal wear, landlords often label as lack of cleaning.
Legally, landlords in the Netherlands are allowed to deduct cleaning costs if:
The apartment isn’t returned in original condition
Professional cleaning is required
And in most cases, they win.
How to Protect Your Deposit When Moving Out
Before your move-out inspection in Amsterdam, you have two choices:
Clean like a professional inspector is actively searching for flaws
Hire a professional move-out cleaning service
There is no safe middle ground.
I always tell my clients:
“If a landlord can point at it with one finger, it can cost you money.”
Professional Move-Out Cleaning in Amsterdam
Professional end of tenancy cleaning is not a luxury.
It protects:
Your deposit
Your time
Your peace of mind
Losing €1,000+ because of invisible dirt is painful — and completely avoidable.
Moving Out Soon? Cleaning24NL Can Help
Cleaning24NL provides professional move-out cleaning in Amsterdam, fully focused on landlord inspections.
✔ Expat-friendly
✔ Inspection-ready cleaning
✔ No stress, no surprises
👉 Contact Cleaning24NL before your inspection — not after.
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