In Belgium

Termination (resiliation / opzegging) is the early ending of a lease agreement before its natural expiry date. Belgian law provides three mechanisms:

  • Amicable termination: both parties agree in writing to end the lease. No notice period or compensation required — terms are freely negotiated.
  • Unilateral termination: one party gives notice to the other, respecting the legal notice period and any applicable compensation.
  • Judicial termination: the justice of the peace terminates the lease due to serious breaches by one party.
i
Good to know
An amicable termination agreement should always be in writing, dated and signed by both parties. It should specify the end date, the condition of the deposit release, and any financial settlements. A verbal agreement is difficult to prove.

Practical example

A tenant in Brussels needs to relocate for work. The landlord agrees to an amicable termination: the lease ends in 2 months (instead of the standard 3-month notice), and both parties waive any compensation. They sign a written agreement, conduct the exit inventory, and release the deposit — all settled within 2 months without involving the justice of the peace.