Etat de Lieux
Here's some advice if you are planning to move to or from Belgium. In the 19 years I've been living and working in Brussels with the expatriate community, one issue has dominated the relocation procedure - the etat de lieux.
The problem starts when you move to Brussels, because if no one has told you what to expect then how can you know what is the best procedure to follow. Most landlords and their agents will kindly suggest that you share the cost of the Expert-Géometres, and on face value it looks to be a good offer. What you are not told is:
1. The Expert's fees before you agree so that you know what your share will be
2. That you are entitled to have your own Expert present
3. That the Expert chosen by the landlord might be the same Expert who handles all the landlord's properties and who might be forgiven for having the landlord's best interest before yours.
Many customer's that I've moved have not been aware of their rights to appoint their own Expert, and some have paid sums equal to the Expert's full fees and not just 50% as was agreed. But most of all, people are frightened about the inspection because they have heard that landlords are looking to keep some of the deposit.
When you have your own Expert the first thing you gain is peace of mind. Your Expert will represent you on the day of the inspection and will have to negotiate any costs for repairs etc. with the landlord's Expert, thus avoiding a worrying face to face stand off with the landlord also gain because there's no way the landlord can rip you off with outrageous charges.
The Union Belge des Géometres-Experts is the official organisation representing the profession. Their web page allows you to enter the commune in which you live and then provides a list of local Experts. Remember that your Expert should be fluent in the language the etat de lieux was written in.If you are leaving Belgium, you must have notified the landlord, by registered mail, of your intention to appoint your own Expert no later than 15 working days before the rental contract expires.
Capital Worldwide Limited
Web site: http://www.capital-worldwide.com
Email: moving@capital-worldwide.com
Phone: 02 535 7430
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