Emergency actions during flooding
Priority: personal safety first. If the property is flooded: evacuate if necessary (call 112), turn off electricity and gas, document damage with photos once safe, notify the landlord and your insurance immediately. Check if the government has declared a natural disaster for potential additional assistance.
Immediate steps:
- Safety first: evacuate if water level is rising or structural integrity is at risk
- Call 112: if emergency assistance is needed
- Utilities: switch off electricity and gas to prevent additional hazards
- Protect valuables: move belongings to higher ground if safely possible
- Document: photograph and video all damage once it is safe to do so
- Notify: landlord (phone + written confirmation) and insurance company
- Do not: enter flooded basements or touch electrical equipment in water
Insurance and government assistance
Standard Belgian insurance policies (building and contents) typically cover flood damage as part of natural disaster coverage. File your claim promptly and keep all evidence. If the government declares a natural disaster, additional public assistance may be available.
| Coverage source | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Landlord’s building insurance | Structural damage, drying, restoration |
| Tenant’s contents insurance | Personal belongings, temporary accommodation |
| Government disaster fund | Additional assistance if declared disaster |
| Municipal emergency aid | Temporary shelter, emergency supplies |
Keep all damaged items for the insurance assessor. Document the water level with marks or photos. Keep receipts for any emergency purchases (pumps, cleaning supplies, temporary accommodation). These may be reimbursable.
Tenant rights during and after flooding
If the property becomes uninhabitable due to flooding:
- Rent reduction: the tenant may be entitled to a proportional rent reduction for the period the property is uninhabitable
- Temporary accommodation: if the property cannot be lived in, the landlord is not obliged to provide alternative housing, but the tenant’s contents insurance may cover temporary accommodation costs
- Lease termination: if the property is destroyed or rendered permanently uninhabitable, the lease is terminated automatically (Article 1722 of the Civil Code)
- Partial damage: if the property is partially damaged, the tenant can request a rent reduction proportional to the loss of use or request lease termination if the damage is substantial
The landlord must carry out repairs to restore the property to a habitable condition. If they fail to do so within a reasonable time, the tenant can apply to the justice of the peace.
Regional specificities
Brussels-Capital Region
The ordinance of 27 July 2017 confirms the landlord’s habitability obligation. Brussels has specific emergency services (SIAMU/DBDMH) and municipal emergency assistance programmes.
Walloon Region
The Walloon Region has experienced major flooding events and has developed a disaster assistance framework. The Fonds des Calamites provides financial assistance when a natural disaster is officially recognised.
Flemish Region
The Flemish Region has the Vlaams Rampenfonds for natural disaster assistance. The Flemish Housing Rental Decree confirms the landlord’s obligation to maintain habitability.
Article 1722 of the Belgian Civil Code (destruction of the rented property). Article 1720 (landlord’s maintenance obligation). Insurance Contract Law of 4 April 2014. Regional disaster assistance legislation.