In Belgium

Social housing (habitation a loyer modere / sociale woning) refers to dwellings rented at below-market rates, managed by public or semi-public housing companies and allocated to households meeting income and other eligibility criteria.

Regional organisation. Housing policy is a regional competence in Belgium:

  • Brussels: managed by the SLRB (Societe du Logement de la Region de Bruxelles-Capitale) and 16 local housing companies (SISP)
  • Wallonia: managed by the SWL (Societe wallonne du Logement) and local housing companies (SLSP)
  • Flanders: managed by Wonen in Vlaanderen and local social housing companies (sociale huisvestingsmaatschappijen)

How it works

Eligibility. Candidates must meet income thresholds set by each Region. In Brussels, a single person must earn below approximately 27,000 EUR/year (2026 thresholds). Additional criteria may include: not owning property, being registered in the population register, meeting language requirements (Flanders).

Application. Candidates register with a local housing company. They are placed on a waiting list ranked by priority criteria: homelessness, overcrowded housing, disability, large families, victims of domestic violence.

Waiting times. In Brussels, average waiting times exceed 10 years. In Wallonia and Flanders, waits of 3-7 years are common, depending on location and household size.

Rent calculation. Rent is income-based, typically 20-25% of the household’s net income, with a minimum and maximum cap.

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Good to know
Social tenants must occupy the dwelling as their main residence and declare any changes in household composition or income. Subletting is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply can result in termination of the lease and loss of the social housing allocation.

Practical example

A single mother with two children in Brussels earns 22,000 EUR/year. She registers with her local SISP and is placed on the waiting list. After 6 years, she is offered a 2-bedroom apartment. Her rent is set at 380 EUR/month (approximately 21% of income), compared to a market rent of 950 EUR for a similar property. She must declare her income annually and notify any change in household composition.