Moving Out of Leuven: The Student Checklist
Moving out of your kot is more work than moving in. Here's the timeline that gets your deposit back, sells your stuff fast, and avoids last-minute panic.
Six weeks out: start selling
The biggest mistake students make is waiting until the last week. Furniture, bikes, kitchenware, and textbooks all sell faster — and for more — in late May and early June, while next year's students are actively planning.
Make a quick inventory of everything you're not taking with you. Photo each item once, in daylight, against a clean wall. Then list:
- Big items first (mattress, desk, fridge, microwave, bike).
- Bundles next (full kitchen kit, full study setup) — they move fast at a slight discount.
- Small items as filler. Clothes, books, decor — group them together.
Posting a listing on StudentFinds takes about two minutes. Push the same listings in your faculty groups for double reach.
Four weeks out: book your inspection
In Belgium, your end-of-lease inspection is called a plaatsbeschrijving uittrede. Your landlord is required to provide one, but they often "forget" to schedule it on time. Email them with three proposed dates, in writing, four weeks before your move-out. Get confirmation in writing.
Don't schedule the inspection on the same day as your move-out. You want a buffer of at least 2–3 days to fix anything they flag.
Two weeks out: deep clean
The areas Leuven landlords always check:
- Inside and behind the fridge
- Oven, microwave, hob (especially under the burners)
- Bathroom grout and silicone (mould = deduction)
- Window frames and sills
- Walls — patch any nail holes with white toothpaste or filler
- Floor — vacuum, mop, and lift any rugs
If you don't have time, hire a student cleaner (€15–€20/hour) for a Saturday morning. Cheaper than losing €100 from your deposit.
One week out: leftover stuff
Anything that hasn't sold gets one of three fates:
- Donate to Kringloopwinkel SPIT — they pick up large items if you book a slot at least a week ahead.
- Give away in the StudentFinds free category. Anything listed for €0 with "must pick up today" disappears within hours.
- Recycle what's broken at the Leuven recyclagepark. Free for residents, requires your eID.
Do not leave bags on the curb. Leuven enforces fly-tipping rules and the fine starts at €100.
Move-out day
- Take photos of every wall, the floor, and every appliance before the inspector arrives.
- Bring the move-in inventory (the document from when you moved in) — landlords often "lose" it.
- Hand over keys only after the inspection report is signed.
- Send your new bank account details for the deposit refund in writing.
After you leave
Your deposit should land in your account within 30–60 days. If it doesn't, send a polite written reminder, then a formal one with a 14-day deadline. If you still hear nothing, the Leuven Huurdersbond helps students with disputes for €25/year membership.
And if you're moving to a new kot? Read our kot essentials checklist before buying anything new — half of it is already on StudentFinds for a third of the price.
Frequently asked questions
- When should I start selling my kot stuff before moving out?
- Start six weeks before your move-out date. Furniture and bikes sell fastest in late May and early June, when next year's students are already searching. Wait until July and you'll be giving things away or paying to throw them out.
- How do I get my full kot deposit back in Leuven?
- Three things: a clean kot (including oven, fridge, and grout), no missing or damaged items vs. the move-in inventory, and a witnessed handover with photos. Schedule the inspection (plaatsbeschrijving uittrede) before your last day, not on it.
- What's the fastest way to sell furniture in Leuven?
- Photos in daylight, honest description, fair price (50–70% off new), and pickup from your kot. List on StudentFinds, then push the same listing in your faculty WhatsApp groups.
- What can I do with stuff that won't sell?
- Donate to Kringloopwinkel SPIT (they pick up large items if you book ahead), give it away on the StudentFinds free category, or take it to the Leuven recyclagepark. Don't leave it on the curb — that's a fine.
- How does the Leuven move-out inspection work?
- Your landlord (or kotmadam) walks through the room with the original move-in inventory and notes any damage. Take photos of every wall, the floor, and any appliances before they arrive. If you disagree with deductions, you have the right to a written counter-claim.