At least 3 signed originals are required
Belgian law requires as many original copies as there are parties with a distinct interest, plus one for registration. For a standard lease (1 landlord + 1 tenant), this means at least 3 signed originals. Each party keeps one copy, and the additional copy is submitted to the FPS Finance for lease registration.
This requirement stems from Article 1325 of the Belgian Civil Code, which governs bilateral agreements. The rule ensures that each party holds proof of the contract and that a copy is available for official registration.
If there are multiple landlords or multiple tenants with distinct interests, additional originals may be needed. For instance, a lease with 2 co-owners as landlords and 1 tenant requires 4 signed originals (2 for landlords, 1 for tenant, 1 for registration).
Each original must mention the total number of originals produced — this is a legal validity requirement. Failure to mention this does not automatically void the lease but can create evidentiary issues.
Who gets which copy
Here is how the originals should be distributed:
| Copy | Recipient | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Original 1 | Landlord | Proof of contract, needed for any legal proceedings |
| Original 2 | Tenant | Proof of contract, useful for rental deposit claims |
| Original 3 | FPS Finance | Required for lease registration |
Each original must contain:
- Signatures of all parties
- The mention of the number of originals produced
- All annexes (inventory of fixtures, EPC certificate, etc.)
When you create your lease via BailBelgique, the platform automatically generates the correct number of originals and includes the required mention. If you opt for electronic signature, a single digital original suffices.
Special case: electronic signatures
When a lease is signed electronically with a qualified electronic signature, the rules change significantly:
- A single digital original is sufficient, as each party receives an identical certified copy
- The mention of the number of originals is no longer required
- The digitally signed document can be uploaded directly to MyRent for registration
Electronic signatures have the same legal value as handwritten signatures under the eIDAS Regulation and Belgian law. This eliminates the need for multiple physical originals.
A simple scan or photo of a signed lease does not constitute a valid electronic signature. Only qualified or advanced electronic signatures (e.g., via itsme or eID) meet the legal requirements. A printed copy of an electronically signed lease may still be useful for practical purposes.
Regional specifics
Brussels-Capital Region
The Brussels Housing Code does not modify the federal rules on the number of originals. The standard requirement of one original per party plus one for registration applies. Brussels encourages electronic lease signing to reduce administrative burden.
Wallonia
Wallonia follows the same federal rules. The Walloon Residential Lease Decree does not alter the requirement for multiple originals but emphasizes the importance of a complete lease document including all mandatory annexes.
Flanders
The Flemish Housing Rental Decree similarly does not change the number of originals required. However, Flanders has been particularly proactive in promoting digital lease management, making electronic signatures a practical choice.
Belgian Civil Code, art. 1325 — Requirement for originals in bilateral agreements. eIDAS Regulation (EU) 910/2014 — Legal framework for electronic signatures.