The landlord can organise visits during the notice period
Yes, during the notice period, the landlord has the right to organise visits for reletting or sale. The law allows visits of 2 hours per business day, at times agreed between the parties. The tenant cannot systematically refuse, but the landlord must respect the tenant’s privacy and schedule.
This right is established by the Law of 20 February 1991 and aims to minimise the landlord’s vacancy period. The tenant cannot block all visits, but reasonable arrangements must be made:
- Visits must take place at agreed times
- The landlord (or estate agent) must give notice in advance
- Visits are limited to business days (Monday to Friday)
- The maximum duration is 2 hours per day
Practical arrangements
| Aspect | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Up to every business day (Monday-Friday) |
| Duration | Maximum 2 hours per day |
| Timing | Agreed by mutual consent |
| Notice | Reasonable advance notice (24-48 hours recommended) |
| Who attends | Landlord, estate agent, or potential tenants/buyers |
| Tenant presence | Not required, but tenant may attend |
Include a clear visit clause in your lease specifying the arrangements (days, time slots, advance notice period). This prevents disputes during the notice period. BailBelgique leases include a standard visit clause.
Limits and tenant’s rights
The tenant retains important rights during the notice period:
- Privacy: the landlord cannot enter without the tenant’s knowledge or consent
- Reasonable times: no visits at unreasonable hours (late evening, early morning)
- Not every day: if the tenant objects to daily visits, the justice of the peace will typically order 3-4 visits per week
- No disruption: visits should not significantly disrupt the tenant’s daily life
- Keys: the landlord should not hold keys to let themselves in without permission
If the parties cannot agree on visit arrangements, either party can ask the justice of the peace to set a schedule. The judge typically orders visits 3-4 times per week during reasonable hours (10 AM to 6 PM).
Regional specifics
Brussels-Capital Region
The Ordinance of 27 July 2017 maintains the standard visit rules. Brussels tenants tend to be more assertive about privacy rights.
Wallonia
The Decree of 15 March 2018 applies the same visit rules during the notice period.
Flanders
The Flemish Housing Rental Decree of 9 November 2018 provides the same framework for visits during the notice period.
Law of 20 February 1991 (right to visit during notice). Civil Code, article 1719 (landlord’s obligations). Constitution, article 15 (inviolability of the home).