Renting in Belgium: lease and rental deposit
Renting a home in Belgium comes with many rules: the deposit, the lease, the inventory. We help you know your rights and avoid problems.
The rental deposit is at most 3 months’ rent in Flanders and 2 months in Brussels. In Wallonia it is 2 months in a blocked account or 3 months through a bank guarantee. The deposit may never be paid in cash or into the landlord’s personal account.
A written lease is mandatory. The landlord must register the lease. At the start of the rental you draw up an inventory together. It protects you when you leave.
Problems with the landlord, the deposit or the rent? We help you with a clear letter or a first step towards a solution.
Which documents do you usually need?
- Lease or draft lease
- Inventory of the property
- Proof of deposit payment
- Correspondence with the landlord
- Identity card
This is a general list. Exactly which documents you need depends on your situation and your municipality. After our first contact, you will receive a list tailored to you.
How it works
You tell us your situation
Via the contact form, in your own language. We ask the right questions.
You receive a clear plan
You know which documents you need, where to go and what it costs.
We follow up
We help with forms and letters until your file is in order.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit can the landlord ask?
In Flanders at most 3 months’ rent, in Brussels 2 months. In Wallonia 2 months in a blocked account or 3 months through a bank guarantee.
Can I pay the deposit in cash?
No. The deposit must go into a blocked account in your name or another legal form.
I am not getting my deposit back. What now?
With an agreement, the bank releases the money. Without one, the justice of the peace decides. We help you with a letter to the landlord.
Can the OCMW / CPAS help with the deposit?
Yes, under conditions the OCMW / CPAS can help with a rental deposit. We help with the application.
Need help with your application?
Briefly describe your situation. You will receive a personal reply within 24 hours, in Romanian, Dutch, French or English.
Other services
- Residence card (EU / EU+)
- Belgian citizenship
- Child benefit (Groeipakket)
- Social assistance (CPAS / OCMW)
- Self-employed: VAT, social contributions, taxes
- Invoicing and Peppol
- Register a Romanian car
- Exchange driving licence
- Health insurance and sickness
- Unemployment
- Pension Belgium–Romania
- Romanian documents
- Payslip and contract