In Belgium

The student lease is adapted to the specific needs of higher education students. Each Region has introduced its own legal framework:

  • Flanders (Woninghuurdecreet, articles 54-62): the most detailed regime, with specific rules on early termination, required evidence and deadlines.
  • Wallonia (housing decree, articles 78-84): similar framework with provisions on termination for stopping or changing studies.
  • Brussels (housing ordinance, articles 253-258): own regime with adapted termination conditions.

The student lease differs from the short-term lease through its specific termination grounds linked to the academic pathway.

How it works

Duration. Generally concluded for 12 months, often from 15 September to 14 September.

Termination by student. The student can terminate early in several cases:

  • Stopping studies: 2 months’ notice, proof required
  • Changing institution: 2 months’ notice, proof of enrolment at new institution
  • Non-renewal: notice within the deadlines set by the Region
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Good to know
In Flanders, a student who terminates before 15 March for the following academic year owes no compensation. After 15 March, a compensation of 2 months’ rent is due. Each Region has its own deadlines.

Practical example

Maxime, an engineering student at KU Leuven, signs a student lease for a room: 12 months from 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2026, rent 420 EUR/month. He constitutes a rental guarantee of 840 EUR on a blocked account.

In January 2026, Maxime decides to switch to a college in Ghent. He notifies his landlord by registered letter on 1 February, with proof of his new enrolment. The lease ends on 1 April (2 months’ notice).

Key considerations

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Warning
A student lease that is not written or does not comply with regional provisions can be reclassified as a 9-year primary residence lease. The landlord should always use a model adapted to the Region where the room is located.

Domiciliation. The student is not required to register at the room’s address if they keep their primary residence at their parents’ home.