Who pays for the boiler replacement?

The landlord pays for replacing an old or faulty boiler. The tenant pays for the mandatory annual servicing and minor repairs related to normal use.

Mould: who is responsible?

It depends on the cause. If it is a structural issue (infiltration, insufficient insulation), the landlord is responsible. If it is behaviour-related (lack of ventilation), the tenant is responsible.

Can the tenant carry out works without consent?

Minor reversible improvements (painting, shelves) do not require consent. Major modifications (kitchen, partition wall) require the landlord's written consent.

Can the landlord refuse the tenant's works?

Yes, for major works. The landlord can refuse if the works alter the structure, diminish the property's value or do not comply with planning regulations.

Is boiler servicing mandatory?

Yes, annual servicing is mandatory in all three Regions. The cost is borne by the tenant. A service certificate must be kept and presented on request.

What to do in case of water damage?

Notify the landlord and the insurance company immediately. If the leak originates from the tenant's installation, the tenant is liable. If it is due to wear (piping), the landlord is responsible.

Can the landlord impose works?

Yes, for urgent works or works necessary to preserve the property. The tenant must tolerate them but can request a rent reduction if they last more than 40 days.

Who pays for the lock repair?

If the lock broke due to normal wear, the landlord pays. If it is due to misuse or a burglary, the tenant pays (via their insurance).

Must the tenant maintain the garden?

Yes, routine maintenance (mowing, hedge trimming, weeding) is the tenant's responsibility. Tree pruning and major landscaping are the landlord's responsibility.

What is the deadline for the landlord to carry out repairs?

The law does not set a precise deadline, but the landlord must intervene within a reasonable time. In an emergency (leak, heating breakdown in winter), they must act immediately.

FAQ — Works & maintenance

Boiler, mould, rental repairs, authorisations — everything about works and maintenance of a rental property in Belgium.

19 questions

The landlord pays for replacing an old or faulty boiler. The tenant pays for the mandatory annual servicing and minor repairs related to normal use.

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It depends on the cause. If it is a structural issue (infiltration, insufficient insulation), the landlord is responsible. If it is behaviour-related (lack of ventilation), the tenant is responsible.

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Minor reversible improvements (painting, shelves) do not require consent. Major modifications (kitchen, partition wall) require the landlord's written consent.

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Yes, for major works. The landlord can refuse if the works alter the structure, diminish the property's value or do not comply with planning regulations.

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Yes, annual servicing is mandatory in all three Regions. The cost is borne by the tenant. A service certificate must be kept and presented on request.

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Notify the landlord and the insurance company immediately. If the leak originates from the tenant's installation, the tenant is liable. If it is due to wear (piping), the landlord is responsible.

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Yes, for urgent works or works necessary to preserve the property. The tenant must tolerate them but can request a rent reduction if they last more than 40 days.

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If the lock broke due to normal wear, the landlord pays. If it is due to misuse or a burglary, the tenant pays (via their insurance).

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Yes, routine maintenance (mowing, hedge trimming, weeding) is the tenant's responsibility. Tree pruning and major landscaping are the landlord's responsibility.

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The law does not set a precise deadline, but the landlord must intervene within a reasonable time. In an emergency (leak, heating breakdown in winter), they must act immediately.

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The landlord must deliver the property in good condition. If the walls were painted at move-in and deteriorated through normal wear, the landlord pays. If the tenant painted, they must restore the walls at move-out.

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Yes, with the landlord's written consent. At move-out, unless otherwise agreed, the tenant must restore the premises to their original condition or leave the kitchen for the landlord.

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There is no general obligation, but minimum standards exist by Region. In Flanders, a minimum EPC will be gradually required. Improving the EPC can unlock rent indexation.

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No, the tenant cannot unilaterally withhold rent. They must petition the justice of the peace for authorisation to consign the rent or obtain compensation.

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If the breakage is accidental (mishandling, impact), the tenant pays (via their insurance). If it is due to wear (delaminating double glazing), the landlord pays.

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Yes, if works last more than 40 days and render the dwelling partially uninhabitable, the tenant can petition the justice of the peace for a proportional rent reduction.

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In case of absolute emergency (water leak, risk of collapse), yes. However, the landlord must attempt to contact the tenant and have the emergency documented if possible.

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In principle no, unless previously agreed in the lease. A tenant who carries out improvement works without consent cannot claim any compensation at move-out.

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Yes, an electrical inspection is mandatory before any rental in all three Regions. The inspection report must be annexed to the lease. Bringing the installation into compliance is the landlord's responsibility.

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