FAQ — Inventory of fixtures
Entry, exit, expert, contestation, damage, costs — everything about the inventory of fixtures in Belgium.
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Yes, the entry inventory is mandatory for primary residence leases in Belgium. It must be done on a contradictory basis and at shared cost.
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Yes, the tenant can refuse to sign the exit inventory if they disagree. In that case, an expert can be appointed amicably or by the justice of the peace.
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It is not mandatory but recommended. An independent expert (surveyor, bailiff) ensures impartiality. Costs are shared between landlord and tenant.
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Ideally before moving in or within the first month of occupation. The law requires it to be done while the premises are unoccupied or during the first month.
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The tenant is responsible for rental damage (holes, stains, breakage). Normal wear and tear (faded paint, slightly worn flooring) is the landlord's responsibility.
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Costs are shared equally between the landlord and the tenant. If an expert is appointed, their fees are split in half.
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Without an entry inventory, the tenant is presumed to have received the dwelling in good condition. The landlord can claim damages at exit, unless the tenant proves otherwise.
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On the day the keys are handed back or within the following days. It must be done when the dwelling is empty (furniture moved out, cleaning done).
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A detailed description of each room, the condition of walls, floors, ceilings, fittings, meter readings and photos. It must be dated and signed by both parties.
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Yes, by an addendum signed by both parties. The tenant can report defects not noticed during the initial visit, provided they do so promptly.
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If the parties cannot agree, they can appoint a joint expert. As a last resort, the justice of the peace will appoint a judicial expert whose report is binding on both parties.
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Yes, dated photos are an excellent complement to the written inventory. They constitute admissible evidence before the justice of the peace in case of a dispute.
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Yes, an inventory carried out on a tablet or via an app is perfectly valid, provided it is signed (electronically or by hand) by both parties.
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Yes, meter readings (water, gas, electricity) are essential at entry and exit to determine the tenant's consumption and avoid billing disputes.
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Yes, the tenant must return the dwelling in a reasonable state of cleanliness. A dirty dwelling can be considered rental damage and justify a deduction from the deposit.
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Normal wear and tear corresponds to natural degradation from time and normal use of the dwelling: paint yellowing, flooring wearing, seals darkening. It cannot be charged to the tenant.
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Yes, the inventory must reflect the actual condition at the time of entry. If works are promised, they must be noted in the lease or in an addendum.
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The tenant must return all keys received at entry (including any copies made). The number of keys handed back must match what is listed in the entry inventory.
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Yes, templates are available online, including on BailBelgique. They comply with legal requirements and can be adapted to each type of property.
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Only if they painted the walls in a non-standard colour without the landlord's consent. Normal wear and tear of paint (yellowing, small marks) is not the tenant's responsibility.
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The limitation period is one year after the keys are returned for rental damage. Beyond that, the landlord can no longer claim damages from the tenant.
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Yes, all areas made available to the tenant (garden, terrace, garage, cellar) must be included in the inventory. Their condition must be described with the same precision as the interior.