FAQ — Termination & notice
Tenant and landlord notice, early termination compensation, mutual agreement, short-term lease — all answers about lease termination in Belgium.
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6 months for personal occupation or major works, with compensation depending on the timing (9, 6 or 3 months' rent depending on the year of the lease). The reason must be stated in the notice.
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By a written agreement signed by both parties, specifying the end date, the fate of the deposit and the conditions of departure. No compensation is due unless agreed otherwise.
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The tenant owes 3 months' rent in the 1st year, 2 months in the 2nd and 1 month in the 3rd. From the 4th year onward, no compensation is due (9-year lease).
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3 months, at any time during the 9-year lease. The notice period starts on the 1st day of the month following receipt of the registered letter. Compensation may apply depending on the year.
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By registered letter or by bailiff's writ. The notice period runs from the 1st day of the month following receipt of the registered letter. A simple email or text message is not sufficient.
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Yes, with 6 months' notice and without compensation if it is for personal occupation or for a relative up to the 3rd degree. The reason must be genuine and carried out within one year.
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Yes, the tenant can terminate with 3 months' notice and one month's compensation. The landlord cannot unilaterally terminate a short-term lease.
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The notice period always starts on the 1st day of the month following receipt of the registered letter. If the letter is received on 15 March, the notice runs from 1 April.
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Only in the event of a serious breach by the other party (unsanitary dwelling, persistent non-payment of rent). The termination must then be pronounced by the justice of the peace.
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Yes, for major works (minimum value of 3 years' rent) with 6 months' notice. The landlord must provide evidence (quotes, permits) upon the tenant's request.
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If the landlord does not carry out the personal occupation or works within one year, the tenant can claim 18 months' rent in damages.
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The subtenant has the same notice rights as in a regular lease. If the main lease is terminated, the subtenant must also leave, with a reasonable period.
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Yes, but only with the other party’s agreement. Notice sent is a unilateral act that binds its author. Without agreement, the notice takes effect.
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Yes, with 6 months' notice at any time, but paying compensation of 9 months' rent (1st triennial period), 6 months (2nd) or 3 months (3rd).
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Yes, but they remain liable for rent until the end of the 3-month notice period, even if they vacate earlier. The landlord is not required to find a new tenant.
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A registered letter not collected is considered received on the first business day after the first delivery attempt. The notice therefore runs from the following month.
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The lease continues with the heirs. They have the same termination rights as the deceased landlord, including personal occupation.
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The compensation is one month's rent, regardless of when the termination occurs. It is in addition to the 3-month notice period.
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Yes, if the dwelling becomes totally uninhabitable due to force majeure (fire, flood), the lease ends by operation of law. Both parties are released from their obligations.
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The lease is transferred to the heirs. They can choose to continue the lease or terminate it with 3 months' notice, without compensation, within 6 months of the death.
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If the lease is registered, the buyer must respect it. If the lease is not registered, the new owner can give 3 months' notice with one month's compensation.