An inventory can be amended by mutual agreement
Yes, an inventory of fixtures can be amended after signing, but only by mutual agreement. Both parties must sign a supplementary inventory or addendum noting the new observations. This is common when a defect is discovered shortly after move-in that was missed during the initial inspection. Unilateral modifications are not valid.
The inventory of fixtures is a bilateral document that reflects the joint observations of both parties. Modifying it requires the same bilateral agreement. In practice, tenants sometimes discover defects during their first days in the property that were not visible during the initial walk-through (e.g. plumbing issues, hidden damp, appliance malfunctions).
The law implicitly allows for supplements to the inventory, as the purpose of the document is to reflect the true condition of the property. A supplement that corrects or completes the initial inventory serves this purpose and is in both parties’ interest.
How to amend an inventory
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Document the issue (photos, description) |
| 2 | Notify the other party in writing |
| 3 | Schedule a joint inspection |
| 4 | Draft a supplementary inventory |
| 5 | Both parties sign and date the supplement |
| 6 | Attach to the original inventory and lease |
The supplementary inventory should contain:
- Reference to the original inventory (date, property address)
- Description of the newly observed issue
- Location in the property
- Photographs (dated)
- Signatures of both parties
- Date of the supplementary inspection
As a tenant, document any defects you discover after moving in with dated photographs and notify the landlord by registered letter as soon as possible. Even if the landlord refuses to sign a supplementary inventory, your notification creates a written record that can be used as evidence in case of dispute at the end of the lease.
Time limits for amendments
There is no strict legal deadline for amending an inventory, but timing matters:
- First days/weeks — amendments are most likely to be accepted and most credible to courts
- First month — still reasonable, as some defects only appear with use
- After several months — increasingly difficult to prove the defect existed at move-in
- At end of lease — too late to amend the entry inventory
The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove that a defect was pre-existing rather than caused by your occupation. Courts assess the credibility of late amendments on a case-by-case basis.
If the landlord refuses to cooperate, the tenant can:
- Send a registered letter detailing the defects
- Request an expert inspection through the justice of the peace
- Use photos and correspondence as evidence at the exit inventory stage
Regional specifics
Brussels-Capital Region
The ordinance of 27 July 2017 requires an entry inventory but does not specifically address amendments. General principles of contract law apply. Brussels courts accept supplementary inventories signed by both parties.
Walloon Region
The decree of 15 March 2018 follows the same approach. Wallonia encourages thorough initial inventories to minimise the need for amendments. Supplementary inventories are accepted if signed bilaterally.
Flemish Region
The Vlaams Woninghuurdecreet of 9 November 2018 provides for a detailed entry inventory. Flanders allows supplements to the inventory by mutual agreement. The decree emphasises the importance of completeness in the initial inspection.
Regional housing legislation on inventory requirements. Civil Code principles on bilateral documents and contractual modification. Supplementary inventories follow the same rules as the original inventory.