Short-term leases under one year are permitted
Yes, a lease shorter than one year is legally permitted as a short-term lease (bail de courte duree). It must be in writing and specify the end date. The total duration of the original lease plus any renewals cannot exceed 3 years. Beyond that threshold, the lease automatically converts to a 9-year lease. The landlord generally cannot terminate a short-term lease early.
The short-term lease is an exception to the standard 9-year lease regime for primary residences. It allows flexibility for both landlords and tenants in situations where a short occupation period is planned — for example, during renovations, temporary work assignments, or trial periods.
The lease must clearly state that it is a short-term lease and specify the exact start and end dates. A lease concluded for an indefinite period or without a clear end date will be treated as a 9-year lease.
Rules for leases shorter than one year
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum duration | No legal minimum (even 1 month is possible) |
| Maximum total duration | 3 years (including renewals) |
| Written requirement | Mandatory |
| Registration | Required and free for primary residence |
| Early termination by tenant | Possible with notice (varies by region) |
| Early termination by landlord | Generally not possible |
| Indexation | Possible if lease lasts at least 1 year |
Renewal rules:
- The lease can be renewed under the same conditions
- Total duration (original + renewals) must not exceed 3 years
- Renewals must be in writing (addendum or new lease)
- No more than 2 renewals are typically permitted
If you need a very short lease (e.g. 6 months), be aware that the landlord cannot terminate it early. If you might need the property back, consider a longer lease with a break clause (if allowed in your region) rather than a very short fixed term that you cannot extend beyond 3 years total.
Automatic conversion to a 9-year lease
The short-term lease automatically converts to a 9-year lease if:
- The tenant continues to occupy the property after the end date without opposition from the landlord
- The total duration (original lease + renewals) exceeds 3 years
- No written notice of termination was sent by either party before the end date
Once conversion occurs:
- The lease is deemed to have been a 9-year lease from the start
- All 9-year lease protections apply retroactively
- The rent is the one agreed in the original short-term lease
- Early termination by the landlord follows the 9-year lease rules (personal occupation, major works, or with indemnity)
This automatic conversion is a crucial protection for tenants and a significant risk for landlords who fail to manage lease end dates.
Regional specifics
Brussels-Capital Region
The ordinance of 27 July 2017 regulates short-term leases in Brussels. Brussels allows tenants to terminate a short-term lease early under certain conditions, with a notice period that varies by remaining duration.
Walloon Region
The decree of 15 March 2018 provides similar rules. Wallonia allows early termination by the tenant of a short-term lease with 3 months notice and an indemnity of 1 month of rent.
Flemish Region
The Vlaams Woninghuurdecreet of 9 November 2018 follows comparable principles. Flanders allows tenants to terminate short-term leases early with 3 months notice, subject to an indemnity.
Regional housing legislation (Brussels ordinance 2017, Walloon decree 2018, Flemish decree 2018) on short-term leases. Maximum 3 years total, automatic conversion to 9-year lease if exceeded.