In Belgium
Service charges cover expenses related to the property’s use and common services. They are distinct from rent and have their own legal regime.
Two payment methods:
- Provisions: monthly estimated payment, reconciled annually via a charges statement
- Flat rate: fixed amount, no reconciliation
Recoverable expenses typically include: water, common area electricity, lift, maintenance, building insurance, concierge.
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Good to know
In Wallonia, the housing decree requires the landlord to provide the charges statement within the year following the covered period. Failing this, the tenant can ask the justice of the peace to set the charges definitively.
Practical example
Julien rents in Liege with 800 EUR/month rent and 100 EUR/month provisions (1,200 EUR/year). Annual statement shows actual charges of 1,350 EUR. Julien pays 150 EUR supplement. Provisions adjusted to 115 EUR/month.
Key considerations
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Warning
A landlord using provisions who never provides an annual statement cannot claim any supplement. The statement is an obligation, not an option.