Renting in Brussels
Practical guidance for expats, EU staff and diplomats: what to check when you sign a lease, move in, live in the home and move out. Open a topic for the details and the official source.
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Your progress
0 of 8 steps done
Your lease, stage by stage
From signing to handing back the keys. Open one to tick it off and see the details.
Stage 1: Before you sign
Check what you're agreeing to.
Check the rent against the official reference grid
What this means
Before you sign, compare the rent you're being asked to pay with the official reference rents.
On the private market the landlord is free to set the rent, but the Region publishes an indication based on the neighbourhood and the characteristics of the home.
Last verified: 11 October 2026
Stage 2: Signing and moving in
The lease, the deposit and the first day.
Rental contract (bail / huurcontract)
What this means
In Brussels, a rental contract has to be in writing and registered.
Registering it is free, and it is your landlord's obligation, not yours. It should be done within 2 months of signing. If they don't, you can end the contract without notice or compensation.
Once it's registered, the contract protects you as a tenant, for example against being evicted suddenly.
Brussels Region – Steps in renting and leasing (opens in a new tab) (https://be.brussels/en/housing/rental/steps-renting-and-leasing)Bruxelles Logement – Registering a residential lease (opens in a new tab) (https://be.brussels/fr/logement/location/bail-dhabitation/enregistrement-bail-dhabitation)Bruxelles Logement – Lease models (opens in a new tab) (https://be.brussels/fr/logement/location/bail-dhabitation/contrat-de-bail-modeles-et-annexe)Last verified: 11 October 2026
Entry inventory of fixtures (état des lieux / plaatsbeschrijving)
What this means
The entry inventory (état des lieux) is mandatory. Do it before you move in, or at the latest during the first month of your lease.
It should be detailed and signed by both you and your landlord.
It's often done by an independent expert, and the cost is usually split between you.
It matters because this document is what your home is compared against when you move out.
Best done after: Rental contract (bail / huurcontract)
Last verified: 11 October 2026
Deposit (garantie locative / huurwaarborg)
What this means
For leases signed or renewed from 1 November 2024, the deposit (rental guarantee) can't be more than two months' rent.
You choose one of five forms:
- a blocked account in your name
- a bank guarantee through a CPAS
- a bank guarantee that you build up with monthly payments over up to three years
- a "real security" (sûreté réelle) with a bank, in your name
- a personal surety
When you leave, your landlord has to return the deposit with its interest within two months, as long as you've met all your obligations. Returning it is the landlord's obligation.
If you need help putting a deposit together, the Fonds du Logement offers financial aid and support.
Last verified: 11 October 2026
Fire and water damage insurance
What this means
For leases signed or renewed on or after 1 November 2024, tenants must have fire and water damage insurance.
Leases signed before that date weren't covered by this rule, although your contract may still ask for it.
Best done after: Rental contract (bail / huurcontract)
Last verified: 11 October 2026
Stage 3: Living there
Repairs and the rent over time.
Repairs: who pays what?
What this means
As a tenant, you look after small maintenance: changing light bulbs, minor fixes and cleaning, plus servicing and regularly inspecting the boiler.
Your landlord is responsible for the bigger things: structural problems, replacing a defective boiler, the roof, and major plumbing such as broken drainage pipes.
You can't change this split in the lease, even by agreement.
Last verified: 11 October 2026
Stage 4: Moving out
Notice, the exit inventory and the meters.
Exit inventory
What this means
The exit inventory is compared with the one you did when you moved in, and it decides whether any damage is deducted from your deposit.
It's done once you've left the home and before you hand back the keys.
Last verified: 11 October 2026
Meter readings when you move out
What this means
On the day you leave, write down your gas, electricity and water meter readings.
Ideally, also take photos, fill in the energy transfer document with whoever is taking over (signed by both of you), and send your readings to your providers within 7 days of leaving.
That way you won't be charged for someone else's consumption.
Documents you'll need
- Energy transfer document (document de reprise des énergies), two copies signed by you and the incoming tenant or owner
Last verified: 11 October 2026
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