How to calculate the notice period end date?

The notice period calculation rule

The calculation follows three steps:

1. Sending date: the date you send the registered letter
2. Presumed receipt date: 3 business days after sending (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
3. Notice start date: the 1st day of the month following receipt
4. Notice end date: 3 months later (for tenants) or 6 months later (for landlords), on the last day of that month

This rule is the same for all parties and all regions. Only the duration of the notice differs depending on who gives notice and the type of lease.

Practical examples

For a landlord’s notice (6 months), simply extend the end date to 6 months instead of 3:

Common mistakes to avoid

• Counting from the sending date: the notice does not start when you send the letter, but on the 1st of the following month after receipt
• Forgetting weekends: the 3 business days exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
• Wrong notice duration: 3 months for tenants, 6 months for landlords (9-year lease)
• Sending too late in the month: a letter sent on the 29th may only be received next month, pushing the notice start by a full month
• Not using registered mail: only registered letters or bailiff service are legally valid

Regional specifics

Brussels-Capital Region

The Ordinance of 27 July 2017 does not modify the calculation rules. The federal law applies.

Wallonia

The Decree of 15 March 2018 applies the same calculation method. No Walloon-specific rules.

Flanders

The Flemish Housing Rental Decree of 9 November 2018 applies the same calculation rules for notice periods.