Intergenerational rental in Belgium: legal framework and advantages

The concept of intergenerational housing in Belgium

Intergenerational housing is based on a simple idea: having people of different generations cohabit in the same dwelling or building, for the mutual benefit of both parties. The elderly person benefits from a reassuring presence and a supplementary income. The young person accesses affordable housing.

In Belgium, this concept takes several forms:

• Kangaroo housing: an elderly person makes part of their dwelling available (floor, annex, converted outbuilding)
• Intergenerational shared housing: an elderly person offers a room to a student or young worker
• Intergenerational building: a property project designed to mix ages (social or private housing)

For landlords wishing to set up intergenerational housing, the first step is understanding the legal framework of their region and the type of lease to use. Discover our lease generator for standard arrangements.

Legal framework by region

Wallonia: the kangaroo decree

Wallonia is the most advanced region in terms of intergenerational housing. The decree of 28 April 2016 defines “kangaroo housing” and sets the conditions:

• The host (owner or tenant) must be over 65
• The guest can be of any age
• The main dwelling must not be structurally divided
• No planning permission required (subject to conditions)
• The housing agreement is not a lease in the strict sense

Brussels-Capital

Brussels does not yet have a specific framework for intergenerational housing. Existing arrangements fall under general law:

• If the elderly person makes a room available: shared housing lease or precarious occupation agreement
• If part of the dwelling is fitted out as an independent unit: main residence lease + planning permission

Several Brussels non-profits (1 Toit 2 Ages, Habitat et Participation) facilitate introductions and support the process.

Flanders

Flanders introduced the concept of “zorgwonen” (care housing) in 2021. This allows a subsidiary housing unit to be created in an existing property, for an elderly or disabled person, without planning permission if:

• The unit does not exceed 1/3 of the main dwelling’s area
• The beneficiary is an elderly person or a person requiring care
• The unit does not have a separate entrance from the public road

Which lease for intergenerational housing

The lease type depends on the arrangement chosen and the region.

Housing agreement (Wallonia)

In Wallonia, kangaroo housing is not subject to lease legislation. The parties sign a housing agreement that sets out:

• The duration of the cohabitation
• The financial contribution of the guest (rent or services)
• The shared and private spaces
• The conditions for ending the agreement

Main residence lease

If the unit made available is independent (separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom), it is a main residence lease that applies, with all the legal protections (9-year duration, rental deposit, registration).

Shared housing lease

If the elderly person and the young person share common spaces (kitchen, living room), a shared housing lease is the appropriate arrangement. Each co-tenant signs a separate lease with the landlord.

For main residence or shared housing leases, use our online lease creator.

Advantages and regional grants

Advantages for the elderly person

• Supplementary income (rent or services)
• Reassuring presence (security, company)
• Practical help (shopping, gardening, technology)
• Longer independent living at home

Advantages for the young person

• Below-market rent (often 30 to 50% below)
• Quality housing (house with garden rather than studio)
• Social and intergenerational connection

Regional grants

Tax impact

• Property tax: unchanged if no cadastral division
• Income tax: rent received is taxable (revalued cadastral income if tenant is a natural person)
• Elderly person’s benefits: check the impact on the GRAPA (Guaranteed Income for Elderly Persons) — rental income can reduce the benefit amount

To understand the taxation of rental in Belgium, see our guide on rental management.

Conclusion: a future-oriented arrangement to be properly regulated

Intergenerational housing addresses two major challenges of Belgian society: an ageing population and a shortage of affordable housing. Wallonia has led the way with the kangaroo decree, but the other regions are following.

Key points to remember:

1. Wallonia offers the most developed framework with the kangaroo decree (2016)
2. Brussels and Flanders are progressively regulating these arrangements
3. The applicable lease depends on the independence of the unit made available
4. The tax impact is limited if the dwelling is not cadastrally divided
5. A written agreement is essential, even outside the scope of the lease

To formalise your rental arrangement, use our lease generator and discover our management platform to track payments and deadlines.