Properties for rent in Belgium

In Belgium, the rental deposit cannot exceed 2 months' rent if paid into a blocked account, or 3 months if provided as a bank guarantee. This amount is held until the end of the lease and returned after the exit inspection, minus any damages recorded.

In Belgium, a primary residence lease has a standard duration of 3 years. Short-term leases (maximum 3 years, non-renewable) or long-term leases (9 years) are also possible depending on the needs of the parties. The landlord must give a minimum notice of 6 months to reclaim the property at the end of the 3-year lease.

Rents are indexed annually based on the health index, on the lease anniversary date. Indexation is allowed once per year and must be requested by the landlord. In Wallonia and Brussels, restrictions have applied since 2022 for properties with an EPC rating of E, F or G: the tenant must be informed in writing.

Yes, the energy performance certificate (EPC) is mandatory for any rental in Belgium. It must be handed to the tenant before the lease is signed. In Wallonia and Brussels, a property rated F or G can no longer be rented to a new tenant since 2025 without energy renovation works.

Landlords generally ask for the last 3 payslips, proof of address, a copy of your identity document and sometimes references from previous landlords. A self-employed tenant will provide their last 3 tax returns. These documents allow the landlord to assess the financial reliability of the prospective tenant.