In Belgium

The short-term lease is a derogatory regime from the primary residence lease of 9 years. It allows concluding a rental contract for a shorter period, with a maximum of 3 years (renewals included).

It is commonly used for:

  • First letting: the landlord wants to test a tenant before committing for 9 years
  • Transitional situation: professional transfer, separation, planned works
  • Property for sale: the owner wants to keep the option of recovering the property quickly

How it works

Duration. Freely set with a maximum of 3 years. Can be renewed as long as the total does not exceed 3 years.

End of lease. At expiry, the lease ends automatically — no notice required from either party.

Early departure by tenant. The tenant can leave before expiry with 3 months’ notice. A compensation of 1 month’s rent is due unless otherwise agreed.

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Good to know
The landlord must send a reminder (notice) to the tenant at least 3 months before expiry. Without this, the lease may be tacitly renewed.

Practical example

Pierre, an owner in Liege, lets his studio to Julie with a 1-year short-term lease. On 1 June, Pierre sends a registered letter confirming the end on 31 August. Julie leaves without compensation.

If Pierre had sent nothing and Julie had stayed after 31 August, the lease would have been automatically reclassified as a 9-year lease.

Key considerations

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Warning
A 1-year lease renewed 3 times (4 x 1 year = 4 years) exceeds 3 years. It is automatically reclassified as a 9-year lease retroactively from the start date. The 9-year clock starts counting backwards.

Registration mandatory. Like all primary residence leases, the short-term lease must be registered within 2 months. The same penalties apply for non-registration.