In Belgium

Restoration (remise en etat) is the tenant’s obligation to return the rental property in the same condition as described in the entry property inventory, accounting for normal wear and tear.

Normal wear and tear (vetuste) is not the tenant’s responsibility. Examples: faded paint after 5 years, slightly worn carpet in a hallway, minor marks on walls from furniture. These are expected consequences of normal habitation.

Tenant’s responsibility: damage beyond normal use. Examples: large holes in walls, broken tiles, burns on worktops, damaged doors, stained or torn carpets.

How it works

Assessment. The exit inventory is compared with the entry inventory. Any deterioration beyond normal wear is attributed to the tenant.

Cost recovery. The landlord and tenant agree on the cost of restoration. This amount is deducted from the security deposit. If costs exceed the deposit, the landlord can pursue the tenant for the difference.

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Good to know
The landlord cannot demand that the property be returned in “new” condition. If the property was already worn at entry (as documented in the entry inventory), the tenant only owes for additional deterioration during their occupancy.

Practical example

After 6 years, Karim’s exit inventory shows: walls need repainting (normal wear after 6 years — not charged), a cracked bathroom tile (tenant damage — 120 EUR), and a broken blind (tenant damage — 80 EUR). Total deduction from deposit: 200 EUR. The repainting is not charged because it is considered normal wear after 6 years.