How long do you have to register a lease?

The legal deadline is 2 months after signing

The obligation to register the lease within 2 months is set by the Belgian Registration Duties Code. This deadline runs from the date the lease is signed, not from the date the tenant moves in. The landlord is legally responsible for registration, although the tenant may also do it.

In practice, the MyRent platform enables fast registration: once the form is completed and the lease uploaded, confirmation typically arrives within 2 to 5 business days. It is advisable not to wait until the last minute to avoid any delays.

Lease registration is mandatory and conditions several essential landlord rights, including rent indexation and enforceability against third parties.

Registration procedure via MyRent

Here are the steps to register your lease online:

1. Log in to MyRent with your eID or via itsme
2. Select the lease type (primary residence, student, commercial)
3. Fill in the information: identity of the parties, property address, rent amount, duration
4. Upload the signed lease in PDF format
5. Submit — you receive an immediate acknowledgment and the registration proof within a few days

Required documents:

• The lease signed by all parties
• The EPC certificate for the property
• The entry inventory of fixtures (recommended but not required for registration)

Fines and consequences of exceeding the deadline

The 25 EUR fine is relatively small, but the indirect consequences are far more costly. Throughout the period when the lease is not registered:

• The landlord loses the right to index the rent
• The tenant can leave without notice or compensation
• The lease is not enforceable against a potential buyer of the property

Regional specifics

Brussels-Capital Region

The Ordinance of 27 July 2017 reinforces the consequences of non-registration. The tenant can leave without notice at any time. Registration is free for all primary residence leases.

Wallonia

The Decree of 15 March 2018 provides the same penalties. Wallonia also accepts registration at a physical registration office, but MyRent remains the fastest option.

Flanders

The Flemish Housing Rental Decree of 9 November 2018 provides that the landlord cannot claim early termination compensation if the lease is not registered. Registration in Dutch is possible via MyRent.