Can you sign a lease remotely?

Leases can be signed remotely with electronic signature

Remote lease signing has become increasingly common in Belgium, particularly since the digitalisation push of recent years. The legal framework fully supports this practice, provided a qualified electronic signature is used. This means both parties can be in different cities — or even different countries — and still conclude a valid lease.

The key requirement is that the signature must be “qualified” within the meaning of the eIDAS Regulation. This is the highest level of electronic signature and provides the same legal certainty as a handwritten signature.

How remote signing works in practice

Available signature methods:

Requirements for valid remote signing

For a remotely signed lease to be fully valid:

• Qualified electronic signature — both parties must use a qualified signature (itsme or eID). A simple click-to-sign or typed name is not sufficient
• Identity verification — the electronic signature verifies the signer’s identity through the Belgian eID infrastructure
• Document integrity — the platform must ensure the document cannot be altered after signing
• Timestamping — an electronic timestamp records the exact moment of each signature
• All parties must sign — every landlord and tenant named in the lease must provide their electronic signature
• Annexes — the inventory, energy certificate, and regional annexes must also be signed or attached

A lease signed with only a simple electronic signature (e.g. drawing with a mouse, clicking “I agree”) has weaker evidentiary value and may be challenged in court. Always use a qualified signature for maximum legal security.

Regional specifics

Brussels-Capital Region

The ordinance of 27 July 2017 does not restrict the signing method. Remote signing via qualified electronic signature is fully accepted. The Brussels registration office (MyRent) accepts electronically signed leases.

Walloon Region

The decree of 15 March 2018 similarly does not restrict the signing method. Wallonia accepts remotely signed leases for registration. All mandatory annexes must be included in the electronic document.

Flemish Region

The Vlaams Woninghuurdecreet of 9 November 2018 is neutral on signing methods. Flanders actively promotes digital solutions and accepts electronically signed leases. The Flemish administration’s MyRent portal handles electronic lease registration.