The initial inventory covers the entire property
One inventory is done for the entire property at the start. When a co-tenant leaves, an intermediate inventory can be done for their room. Common areas are assessed at the final exit when all co-tenants leave. The shared housing agreement should define the procedure.
Inventory timeline in shared housing:
| Event | Inventory scope |
|---|---|
| Start of tenancy | Entire property (all rooms + common areas) |
| Co-tenant departure | Their room + optional common area check |
| New co-tenant arrival | Their room (entry inventory for the room) |
| Final exit (all leave) | Entire property (comparison with entry) |
Intermediate inventories
When a co-tenant leaves, conduct an intermediate inventory of their room comparing it with the entry state. This allows the departing co-tenant to settle any damage claims for their room and protects incoming co-tenants from being blamed for pre-existing damage.
How to handle intermediate inventories:
- Room inventory: compare the departing co-tenant’s room with the entry inventory for that room
- Common areas: note any damage to common areas attributable to the departing co-tenant
- Agreement: the departing co-tenant, remaining co-tenants and landlord agree on any deductions
- Deposit release: the departing co-tenant’s share of the deposit is released (minus deductions) or transferred to the incoming co-tenant
- New entry inventory: the incoming co-tenant’s room is documented at entry
Without intermediate inventories, it becomes very difficult to determine which co-tenant caused which damage. The shared housing agreement should mandate intermediate inventories when co-tenants change.
Allocating damage costs in shared housing
Damage allocation is complex in shared housing:
- Private rooms: damage is attributed to the occupant of the room
- Common areas: damage is shared between all co-tenants, unless a specific co-tenant is clearly responsible
- Joint liability: if the lease contains a solidarity clause, the landlord can claim all damage from any co-tenant
- Internal recourse: the co-tenant who pays can seek reimbursement from the responsible co-tenant through the shared housing agreement
The shared housing agreement should specify: the procedure for intermediate inventories, the allocation of common area damage costs, and the deposit management when co-tenants change.
Regional specificities
Brussels-Capital Region
The ordinance of 27 July 2017 provides a specific framework for shared housing inventories. Brussels encourages detailed inventories covering both individual rooms and common areas.
Walloon Region
The decree of 15 March 2018 addresses shared housing (colocation) and the inventory procedure. Intermediate inventories are recommended but not mandatory.
Flemish Region
The Flemish Housing Rental Decree of 9 November 2018 provides rules for shared housing inventories (plaatsbeschrijving bij medehuur). The decree encourages intermediate assessments when co-tenants change.
Article 1730 of the Belgian Civil Code (inventory of fixtures). Regional tenancy legislation (shared housing provisions). Shared housing agreement (internal allocation).