In Belgium

Conciliation (conciliation / verzoening) is a mechanism by which the justice of the peace helps parties reach an amicable agreement before a formal judgment. Two forms exist: preliminary conciliation (requested by one party, free) and in-court conciliation (proposed by the judge at the hearing).

How it works

Request. Either party can request conciliation by simple letter to the clerk. No court fees required.

Hearing. Both parties appear before the judge informally. The judge listens and proposes solutions.

Outcome. If agreement is reached, a conciliation report is drawn up with the force of an enforceable title. If no agreement, the parties retain all rights to file a formal case.

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Good to know
Conciliation before the justice of the peace is free and resolves approximately 30% of rental disputes without a formal judgment, saving both parties time and legal fees.

Practical example

A landlord and tenant disagree on the exit inventory: 2,500 EUR claimed vs normal wear argued. The landlord requests conciliation. The judge proposes splitting at 1,200 EUR. Both agree. The conciliation report is signed and the amount deducted from the deposit.