One of the most important tasks on moving into a new apartment or home is to complete an inventory and condition report (plaatsbeschrijving/ état des lieux)
This includes the state of the fixtures and fittings (if there are any), the cleanliness and condition of the decoration and any items missing or in need of repair.
All problems and damages are listed on a form which is signed by both the tenant and the landlord, or the vendor and the buyer in the case of a sale.

Most leases require the tenant to restore the property to ‘move-in’ condition, and it’s the inventory report which establishes what that condition was. Any damages that aren’t noted on the inventory list when you move in will be charged to you when you move out, so you should make sure that you check a property thoroughly and that the inventory list is complete before you sign it.
Once you’ve moved in, it can be difficult (or impossible) to persuade the owner to repair anything, as you’ll be responsible for all interior maintenance and decoration.

If you’re purchasing any fittings or appliances from the previous tenants, be sure to obtain a receipt so that the landlord can’t claim them as part of his property, either during the inventory or when you move out. If you’ve bought fittings or appliances as part of a sale, make sure that they’re included in the inventory and correspond with what you thought you were buying.

In Belgium, an inventory is normally carried out by a surveyor (Real Estate Expert).
Costs are shared by owner and tenant. However, it’s possible to hire your own surveyor if you have any reason to doubt the competence or objectivity of the person your landlord or vendor has engaged. The surveyor is supposed to examine the empty property in minute detail, noting all imperfections and damage, from heel marks or scratches on the floor to broken or malfunctioning windows, doors or plumbing. You can (and should) be present during the inventory to make sure that everything is properly noted.
If you’re buying a house or apartment, the inventory should itemize any unfinished work or repairs that the vendor has agreed to remedy. If possible, this list, along with deadlines for completing the work, should be submitted to the notary prior to the transfer of the property so that it becomes part of the sales contract.