In Belgium

The term “renon” is specifically Belgian — it is not used in France or Switzerland. It refers to the notice of lease termination, i.e. the formal notification by which one party announces their wish to end the lease.

The notice is governed by regional legislation and must comply with strict requirements of form and timing. An irregular notice (sent by ordinary post, deadline not respected, missing grounds) is legally null.

How it works

Form. The notice must be sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt or by bailiff’s writ. An email, SMS or oral notification has no legal value.

Effect. The notice period starts on the 1st day of the month following receipt of the registered letter.

Deadlines:

  • Tenant (9-year lease): 3 months’ notice, at any time
  • Landlord for personal occupation: 6 months’ notice
  • Landlord for works: 6 months’ notice, only at end of triennial
  • Landlord without reason: 6 months’ notice, only at end of triennial
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Good to know
The landlord’s notice must state the grounds for termination (personal occupation, works, no reason). A notice without grounds or with vague grounds is legally null.

Practical example

Marie, a tenant in Uccle, decides to move. On 10 January she sends a registered letter to her landlord. The 3-month notice period starts on 1 February and ends on 30 April. Marie must pay rent until 30 April and return the keys on that date.

Key considerations

Counter-notice. When the landlord gives notice for personal occupation or works, the tenant can give a counter-notice of one month, without compensation. This allows them to leave sooner.

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Warning
A notice sent by ordinary letter (not registered), even with acknowledgement of receipt, can be contested. To secure the process, always use a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt or a bailiff’s writ.