At a glance
- Empty: no furniture, boxes, rubbish or loose items anywhere.
- Swept: floors swept in every room, cellar and attic included.
- Not included: washing windows, scrubbing the kitchen, removing stains or painting.
- Your lease or sales agreement can ask for more; read it first.
- Photos of every empty room are your best record.
What is a broom-clean handover?
A broom-clean handover is the return of a property that is empty and swept, without further cleaning. Every room, the cellar, the attic, the garage and the garden shed are cleared of contents and rubbish, and the floors are swept with a broom.
A house clearance ends at exactly this point; see house clearance in Antwerpen.
What may a landlord expect at the end of a lease?
A landlord may expect the home back in the state described in the entry inspection report, apart from normal wear. Whether it must also be cleaned depends on your lease: some leases ask only for broom-clean, others for a professional clean.
Read the clause before you book anything. If it asks for cleaning, plan it after the clearance and before the move-out inspection; see end-of-lease clearance.
What does a buyer expect at the signing of the deed?
When a home is sold, the sales agreement usually states that it is handed over empty on the day the deed is signed at the notary. Unless the agreement says otherwise, broom-clean is the common standard. Items the buyer agreed to take over, such as a fitted wardrobe, stay.
What is not part of broom-clean?
Broom-clean does not include washing windows, scrubbing kitchens and bathrooms, removing limescale, filling holes, painting or removing fixed floor coverings. Those are cleaning or renovation tasks. A clearance company sweeps; a cleaning company cleans.
How do you document a broom-clean handover?
Take dated photos of every room, the cellar, the attic and the meter readings on the day you hand over the keys. Keep them with the entry report and the lease, so you can show the state of the home if there is any discussion later.
Frequently asked questions
Is broom-clean a legal term?
It is a common term in leases and sales agreements in Belgium rather than a separate legal standard. What counts is what your contract says.
Do you take down curtains and lamps?
Yes, if they are yours and not listed as belonging to the property. Mark anything that stays.