3 months’ notice at any time
The tenant of a 9-year lease can give 3 months’ notice at any time, without needing a reason or the landlord’s agreement. The notice starts on the 1st of the month following receipt of the registered letter. During the first 3 years, a decreasing compensation is due: 3 months (year 1), 2 months (year 2), 1 month (year 3). From year 4: no compensation.
Key points:
- The 3-month notice is a public order right — it cannot be extended by contract
- No reason needs to be given
- The landlord cannot refuse (see can the landlord refuse early termination?)
- The compensation is in addition to the 3-month notice (not instead of it)
Compensation schedule
| Year of lease | Notice period | Compensation | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 months’ rent | 3 months’ rent | 6 months |
| Year 2 | 3 months’ rent | 2 months’ rent | 5 months |
| Year 3 | 3 months’ rent | 1 month’s rent | 4 months |
| Year 4+ | 3 months’ rent | 0 | 3 months |
The “year of lease” is determined by the date the notice period ends, not the date notice is given. If your notice period ends during year 2 of the lease, the year 2 compensation applies.
If you are in month 11 of year 1, it may be worth waiting a few weeks before giving notice. If the notice period ends in year 2 instead of year 1, you save 1 month of compensation.
Short-term lease differences
For short-term leases (3 years maximum), different rules apply:
| Element | Short-term lease | 9-year lease |
|---|---|---|
| Who can terminate early | Tenant only | Tenant + landlord |
| Notice period | 3 months | 3 months (tenant) / 6 months (landlord) |
| Compensation | 1 month (fixed) | 3/2/1/0 months (decreasing) |
| Landlord termination | Not possible before term | At end of each 3-year period |
See can a short-term lease be terminated early? for details.
Regional specifics
Brussels-Capital Region
The Ordinance of 27 July 2017 applies the same 3-month notice and compensation schedule.
Wallonia
The Decree of 15 March 2018 follows the same rules.
Flanders
The Flemish Housing Rental Decree of 9 November 2018 confirms the 3-month notice period and decreasing compensation schedule.
Law of 20 February 1991, article 3, par. 2 (tenant’s 3-month notice). Article 3, par. 4 (early termination compensation).