Minimum one month after service of judgment
After an eviction judgment, the tenant has at least one month from the date the judgment is served by a bailiff. The judge may grant grace periods of up to one year for tenants in difficult social circumstances. During the winter truce (Brussels and Wallonia), execution is suspended.
The eviction timeline works as follows:
- Judgment pronounced by the justice of the peace
- Service by a bailiff to the tenant (1-2 weeks after judgment)
- One-month minimum period for the tenant to vacate voluntarily
- Forced eviction by the bailiff if the tenant remains, with police assistance if needed
The one-month period runs from the date of service, not from the date of the judgment itself. The landlord cannot shorten this period, even if the tenant has significant rent arrears.
Practical timeline
| Phase | Duration | Who acts |
|---|---|---|
| Judgment to service | 1 to 2 weeks | Bailiff |
| Mandatory waiting period | 1 month minimum | Tenant to vacate |
| Scheduling forced eviction | 2 to 4 weeks | Bailiff |
| Execution | 1 day | Bailiff + police + removal company |
In total, expect 2 to 3 months between the judgment and actual eviction if the tenant does not leave voluntarily. If grace periods are granted, this can extend to 6 to 15 months.
The landlord cannot carry out the eviction themselves. Only a bailiff can execute an eviction judgment. Any attempt at self-help (changing locks, removing belongings, cutting utilities) is a criminal offence under article 442/1 of the Criminal Code.
Grace periods
The judge may grant grace periods in the following circumstances:
- The tenant is elderly or disabled
- The tenant has dependent children
- The tenant demonstrates they are actively seeking alternative housing
- The tenant is experiencing temporary financial difficulty (job loss, illness)
Grace periods can extend up to one year from the date of the judgment. During this period, the tenant remains obligated to pay rent. The judge may impose conditions, such as paying a portion of the arrears.
The landlord can request the court to revoke the grace period if the tenant fails to comply with the conditions set by the judge.
Regional specifics
Brussels-Capital Region
The Ordinance of 27 July 2017 requires the CPAS to be informed of any eviction to offer social support and rehousing assistance. The winter truce (1 November to 15 March) suspends execution of evictions.
Wallonia
The Decree of 15 March 2018 provides the same CPAS notification obligation. Walloon judges tend to grant longer grace periods to tenants in precarious situations. The winter truce also applies.
Flanders
The Flemish Housing Rental Decree of 9 November 2018 requires OCMW notification. Flanders does not apply a legal winter truce — evictions can be executed year-round.
Judicial Code, articles 1344bis to 1344octies (eviction procedure). Civil Code, article 1244 (grace periods).