Full cost breakdown
On early departure, the tenant pays: 3 months’ rent (notice period) + early termination compensation (3/2/1/0 months depending on the year) + exit inventory costs (200-500 EUR) + charge balance + tenant repair costs (if any). Total in year 1: up to 7 months’ rent. From year 4: only the notice period (3 months).
| Cost element | Amount | When due |
|---|---|---|
| Notice period rent | 3 months | Monthly during notice |
| Early termination compensation | 0-3 months (see schedule) | On departure |
| Exit inventory | 200-500 EUR | On departure |
| Charge balance | Variable | After final statement |
| Tenant repairs | Variable | On departure |
| Moving costs | Variable | Personal expense |
Total cost by year of lease
For a rent of 900 EUR/month:
| Year | Notice (3m) | Compensation | Exit inventory | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2,700 EUR | 2,700 EUR | 350 EUR | ~5,750 EUR |
| Year 2 | 2,700 EUR | 1,800 EUR | 350 EUR | ~4,850 EUR |
| Year 3 | 2,700 EUR | 900 EUR | 350 EUR | ~3,950 EUR |
| Year 4+ | 2,700 EUR | 0 EUR | 350 EUR | ~3,050 EUR |
These estimates exclude repair costs and charge balances, which vary per case.
Before giving notice, calculate the full cost of departure. In year 1, the total can exceed 6 months’ rent. Make sure you have the funds to cover the notice period and compensation before committing to termination.
Reducing departure costs
Several strategies can help minimise costs:
- Wait until year 4+ if possible — no compensation from the 4th year
- Negotiate mutual termination — the landlord may waive the compensation if a new tenant is lined up
- Time your notice carefully — ending the notice in year 2 instead of year 1 saves 1 month of compensation
- Prepare the property — avoid repair deductions by maintaining the property in good condition
- Document everything — a well-documented exit inventory prevents unjustified deductions
If the lease is not registered, the tenant may be able to leave without notice or compensation (depending on the region and case law). This is an additional incentive for landlords to register the lease promptly.
Regional specifics
Brussels-Capital Region
The Ordinance of 27 July 2017 applies the same cost structure. Unregistered leases in Brussels allow the tenant to leave without notice.
Wallonia
The Decree of 15 March 2018 follows the same rules. Same benefit for tenants with unregistered leases.
Flanders
The Flemish Housing Rental Decree of 9 November 2018 provides that the landlord loses the right to early termination compensation if the lease is not registered.
Law of 20 February 1991, article 3 (notice and compensation). Civil Code, article 1730 (exit inventory).