When to send the notice (renon)
The tenant can send notice at any time — no need to wait for a specific date. The landlord can only give notice at the end of a three-year period (3rd, 6th, or 9th year) with 6 months’ notice and a valid reason. To ensure the notice is effective on the 1st of a specific month, send the registered letter at least 7 days before the end of the preceding month.
The tenant’s flexibility:
- Notice can be sent any day of any month during the 9-year lease
- The 3-month notice starts on the 1st of the month following receipt
- No need to align with lease anniversary or three-year periods
- No reason needs to be given
Practical sending calendar
To ensure your notice starts on a specific month:
| Want notice to start | Send by (latest) | Presumed receipt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | ~24 December | ~27 December |
| 1 February | ~24 January | ~27 January |
| 1 March | ~22 February | ~25 February |
| 1 April | ~24 March | ~27 March |
| 1 July | ~24 June | ~27 June |
| 1 October | ~24 September | ~27 September |
Always send your registered letter at least 7 days before the end of the month. This accounts for the 3 business day receipt presumption plus potential delays around weekends and holidays.
Landlord timing constraints
The landlord faces strict timing requirements:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| When | Only at the end of each three-year period (year 3, 6, or 9) |
| Notice period | 6 months before the three-year period ends |
| Reason | Must state: personal occupation, major works, or without reason |
| Consequence of late notice | Notice is invalid; must wait for the next three-year period |
Example for a lease starting 1 January 2023:
- End of 1st three-year period: 31 December 2025
- Landlord must send notice by: 30 June 2025 (6 months before)
- If missed: must wait until 30 June 2028 (for end of 2nd period)
Regional specifics
Brussels-Capital Region
The Ordinance of 27 July 2017 maintains the same timing rules for both tenant and landlord notice.
Wallonia
The Decree of 15 March 2018 applies identical timing constraints.
Flanders
The Flemish Housing Rental Decree of 9 November 2018 follows the same framework for tenant and landlord notice timing.
Law of 20 February 1991, articles 3 (tenant notice) and 3bis (landlord notice). Judicial Code, article 53bis (receipt presumption).