Glossary Rent & charges — vocabulary in context
Setting, revision, provisions.
23 definitions · 4 clustersView by concept
4 semantic hubs · 23 connected terms
Each cluster groups a central concept and its related terms. Click to explore.
I
Indexation →
Indexation is the legal mechanism allowing the landlord to adjust the rent once a year based on the evolution of the health index published by the FPS Economy.
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Health index
The health index is a variant of the consumer price index excluding tobacco, alcoholic beverages, petrol and diesel. It is the official indicator used in Belgium for rent indexation.
Rent review
A rent review is a legal procedure allowing the landlord or tenant to request an adjustment of the base rent to market value, between the 9th and 6th month before the end of each triennial period.
Rent
Rent is the sum of money paid monthly by the tenant to the landlord in return for the enjoyment of the rented property. In Belgium, the amount is freely set by the parties, subject to indicative rent grids in certain Regions.
C
Charges provision →
A charges provision is a monthly advance paid by the tenant to cover service charges. It is reconciled annually based on actual expenses via a charges statement.
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Service charges
Service charges are expenses related to the use of the rented property and common services, recoverable by the landlord from the tenant. They are paid as provisions or a flat rate.
Charges statement
The charges statement is an annual document detailing actual common charge expenses, compared to provisions paid by the tenant. It determines a balance to pay or refund.
Flat rate
A flat rate is a fixed amount agreed for service charges, without annual reconciliation. The landlord cannot claim a supplement and the tenant cannot request a refund.
Provisions
Provisions are amounts advanced monthly by the tenant for service charges, subject to an annual statement with adjustment based on expenses actually incurred.
R
Rent cap →
A rent cap is a legal limitation on the maximum rent that can be charged. In Belgium, no strict cap exists for the private market — only social housing has truly capped rents.
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Rent control
Rent control encompasses the legal mechanisms that orient or limit rent levels in Belgium. It relies mainly on indicative rent grids and the triennial review procedure.
Rent grid
The rent grid is an indicative tool published by Belgian Regions giving a reference rent range for a property type in a given geographical area. It is not binding but serves as a reference in disputes.
R
Rent receipt →
A rent receipt is a document certifying payment of rent by the tenant. In Belgium, the landlord must issue it free of charge on the tenant's request.
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Rent receipting
Rent receipting is the process of issuing and tracking rent receipts, increasingly automated via online rental management software.
Rent arrears
Rent arrears are amounts of rent unpaid by the tenant on the due date specified in the lease. In Belgium, they can lead to a formal notice, then legal proceedings before the justice of the peace.
Other terms
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Consumer price index
The consumer price index (CPI) is a statistical indicator measuring the change in the general level of consumer prices in Belgium. It serves as the basis for calculating the health index used for rent indexation.
Gross rent
Gross rent is the total amount paid monthly by the tenant, including the base rent and charges or provisions for charges.
Indexation deferral
An indexation deferral is a temporary limitation on the right to rent indexation, introduced by certain Belgian Regions for energy-inefficient dwellings (poor EPC rating).
Net rent
Net rent is the base rent amount excluding charges and provisions. It corresponds to the pure remuneration of the owner for making the property available.
Pivot index
The pivot index is a health index threshold whose exceeding triggers the automatic adjustment of wages and social benefits in Belgium. It is distinct from rent indexation.
Rent revaluation
Rent revaluation is the increase of the base rent during the lease, distinct from indexation. In Belgium, it is only possible via the triennial review or between two leases.
Rental value
Rental value is the estimate of the rent a property could reasonably produce on the rental market, considering its characteristics (surface area, condition, location, EPC) and local demand.
Retroactive effect
Retroactive effect is the application of a measure to situations prior to its entry into force. In rental matters, it primarily concerns indexation, which can only be claimed retroactively for a maximum of 3 months.
Do not confuse
Charges provision vs Service charges
A charges provision is a monthly advance paid by the tenant to cover service charges. / Service charges are expenses related to the use of the rented property and common services, recoverable by the landlord from the tenant.
Charges provision vs Charges statement
A charges provision is a monthly advance paid by the tenant to cover service charges. / The charges statement is an annual document detailing actual common charge expenses, compared to provisions paid by the tenant.
Charges provision vs Provisions
A charges provision is a monthly advance paid by the tenant to cover service charges. / Provisions are amounts advanced monthly by the tenant for service charges, subject to an annual statement with adjustment based on expenses actually incurred.
Did you know
This glossary contains 23 definitions
Each term is explained in the Belgian legal context, with the specificities of the 3 Regions (Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders). Definitions include practical examples and links to reference articles.
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