In Belgium

Seasonal rental (location saisonniere / seizoensverhuur) refers to the short-term letting of a furnished property, typically for tourism or temporary stays. In Belgium, this activity is increasingly regulated at the regional level.

Regional regulations:

  • Brussels: tourist accommodation must be registered with Brussels Economy and Employment. A fire safety certificate and urban planning permit are required.
  • Flanders: tourist accommodation must be declared to Toerisme Vlaanderen. Specific fire safety and comfort standards apply.
  • Wallonia: a permit from the Commissariat General au Tourisme is required for tourist accommodation.

How it works

Insurance. Standard fire insurance and home insurance policies often exclude or limit coverage for properties used for short-term tourist letting. A specific rider or policy may be needed.

Taxation. Unlike long-term private letting (taxed on cadastral income), seasonal rental income is generally taxed on actual income received, less a flat-rate deduction for expenses. This can result in significantly higher taxation.

Co-ownership. Many co-ownership regulations prohibit or restrict short-term tourist letting. Check the regulations before listing on platforms.

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Good to know
Operating a seasonal rental without the required regional registration or permit can result in fines of 250 to 25,000 EUR depending on the Region. The platforms themselves may also delist non-compliant properties.

Practical example

Marie wants to rent her Brussels apartment on a holiday platform for 3 months per year when she travels. She must: register the property with Brussels Economy and Employment, obtain a fire safety certificate, verify her insurance covers tourist letting, declare the income as actual rental income in her tax return, and check her co-ownership regulations for any restrictions.