Leaving SHAPE Village
Occupants of quarters in SHAPE Village are required upon reception of orders and no later than 30 days prior to departure, to give notice to SHAPE Domaines as well as to HMS of their impending vacation of quarters. However for practical reasons, it is wished that tenants give their departing information as soon as possible. This way the Domaines’ office will be able to be pro-active in their planning, and HMS will be able to better estimate the availabilities for the newcomers. To facilitate this task, the Domaines’ office provides tenants a standardised cancellation notice to be filled and returned. The Domaines’ office conducts the out-inspection and the meter readings (water, gas, electricity). Final invoices are provided along with the closure of accounts in the Domaines’ office. Final invoices for phone, TV & internet providers remain a private responsibility.
Out Inspection Tips
The Belgian law clearly states that the property must be returned in the same condition as it was in the beginning of the lease except for normal wear and tear. It does not include spots, dents, ink marks on the walls, excessive dirt created by an intensive use of candles and/or space heaters and/or tobacco. Preferably, a pre-inspection with your landlord would give you a guideline and would avoid useless expenses.
A thorough cleaning is mandatory regardless the condition of cleanliness upon your arrival in the premises. Unless your contract would include it in the rent, be ready to show to your landlord the latest certificates of maintenance such as for: the heating, the chimney the alarm installation, water treatment device, boiler, septic tank, filtering station. If your house is heated by oil or propane gas, make sure the tank is filled at the same level as it was upon your moving in. Check all your keys. Read the meters to forward your readings to the appropriate companies.
At the end of the out-inspection, you should ask your landlord to sign the"quitte et libre" Form. This statement from the owner certifying the end of your responsibility toward the property, is a legal discharge of your obligations. It is a very important document certifying that all rents have been paid, and that the rental property is returned to the landlord in good condition.
Except if there is a problem, your bank deposit must be released by the landlord. Some banks will ask you to take an appointment with your landlord in order to release it, others will accept their release form to be signed by the landlord. In any case, be pro active and set an appointment with your bank, or collect the form to be signed by the landlord before the out inspection.