In Belgium

The co-tenancy agreement is a private document between co-tenants — it does not bind the landlord. Its purpose is to organise shared living and prevent conflicts:

  • Rent distribution: who pays what, in what proportion
  • Charges distribution: electricity, internet, cleaning
  • Use of common areas: kitchen, lounge, bathroom, garden
  • House rules: noise, guests, pets, cleaning
  • Co-tenant departure: internal notice period, replacement conditions

In Wallonia, the housing decree (2018) introduced a specific framework: the departing co-tenant gives 3 months’ notice and is released from obligations once a replacement signs the lease.

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Good to know
The co-tenancy agreement is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Without one, conflicts over charge distribution or cleaning are resolved by discussion — or before the justice of the peace.

Practical example

Three co-tenants in Brussels draft an agreement: Room 1 (18 m2) = 550 EUR, Room 2 (14 m2) = 450 EUR, Room 3 (12 m2) = 400 EUR. Common area cleaning rotates weekly. Wifi is split three ways equally. If a co-tenant wants to leave, they must find a replacement approved by the other two, with 2 months’ internal notice.